Endometriosis is a common and often debilitating disease that affects many women. It is important...
PCOS is a common condition that can have a significant impact on a woman's health and fertility. It is important to recognize the symptoms, seek proper diagnosis, and discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Whether it's managing symptoms, improving fertility, or addressing potential long-term health risks, there are various approaches to help those with PCOS lead healthier lives. Remember, knowledge is power, and taking proactive steps towards managing PCOS can make a positive difference in your overall wellbeing.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (or PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility in women. Patients with PCOS have multiple cysts on one or both of their ovaries, and this causes increased levels of androgen hormones. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular periods, acne, increased facial hair, obesity and insulin resistance, although most patients will not have all of these features. The diagnosis of PCOS can be made with a combination of clinical history, blood tests, and ultrasound, however, you may not need all of these tests if the diagnosis is clear.
How is endometriosis diagnosed?
The only way to diagnose endometriosis definitively is with surgery and a biopsy of the area of endometriosis. In many cases, a doctor may make a “presumptive” diagnosis by using a combination of symptoms, physical exam, and imaging findings.
How is PCOS treated?
Because there are many manifestations of PCOS, therapy is often customized to the individual patient based on the most troublesome features. For patients with overweight and obesity, diet and exercise for weight loss can help improve some symptoms of PCOS. For patients not seeking pregnancy, oral contraceptives can improve hormone levels, menstrual abnormalities, and provide contraception. Patients with PCOS are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and
metabolic syndrome, and certain medications (such as metformin) can help reduce insulin resistance. For patients seeking help with fertility due to PCOS, your doctor may consider a medication that improves ovulation.
Your primary care doctor and your gynecologist can talk to you about your symptoms and the workup PCOS. If this condition is affecting your fertility and you desire pregnancy, they may refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist for fertility management.
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime via your Summus Dashboard at www.summusglobal.com/dashboard.
