13 Jan Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, is a very common symptom of PCOS. You may find it challenging to lose weight despite eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. This is often because of insulin resistance, which can make it harder for your body to use insulin properly, leading to an increase in weight gain. On the other hand, some women may also experience an unexplained weight loss.

If you are trying to conceive and are facing difficulties, PCOS could be a contributing factor. These hormonal imbalances can interfere with ovulation, making it harder to become pregnant. Irregular menstrual cycles mean that ovulation does not occur regularly, which reduces your chances of conception. However, many women with PCOS can and do become pregnant with the right treatment and proper support.

Feeling unusually tired or experiencing ongoing fatigue can be another symptom. This might be related to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or the sleep disturbances that often come along with PCOS. If you find yourself constantly low on energy, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Irregular periods are one of the most recognized signs of PCOS. You might have fewer than nine periods a year, have periods that occur more than 35 days apart, or have abnormally heavy periods. This irregularity is caused by the hormonal imbalance that is affecting ovulation.

PCOS can also affect teenagers. PCOS may possibly be the cause for irregular periods, severe acne, or excessive hair growth experienced by teens. Early diagnosis and management are important in order to prevent long-term complications. If you are concerned about any of the symptoms that you are experiencing, talking to a healthcare provider can help you better understand what’s happening with your body.

If you’re pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, dealing with PCOS is very important to help better ensure a healthy pregnancy. PCOS can increase the risk of complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or premature birth.

While there is no cure for PCOS, its symptoms can often be managed and, in some cases, can be significantly reduced. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and staying within a healthy weight range can help improve any hormonal imbalances and insulin sensitivity.

PCOS and endometriosis are two different conditions, but some women may experience both. Endometriosis involves the growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus, leading to pain and often fertility issues. If you have symptoms of both conditions, your healthcare provider can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses both at the same time.

Berberine is a natural supplement that has gained a great deal of attention for its potential benefits in helping to manage PCOS symptoms. It may help to improve insulin resistance and reduce androgen levels. However, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any new supplements in order to ensure it’s both safe and appropriate for you.

Progesterone therapy may be prescribed to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which can sometimes occur due to prolonged periods of time without ovulation. Taking progesterone can bring on a period and help balance out your hormones.

Letrozole is a medication that is commonly used to bring on ovulation in women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. It helps to stimulate the ovaries and encourage them to release eggs. Discussing this option with your healthcare provider can help determine if it’s suitable for your fertility goals.

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and this is not a common treatment for PCOS. Since PCOS is primarily related to ovarian function and hormonal imbalances, removing the uterus will not properly address the underlying cause. This procedure is usually considered for other medical conditions and is not a standard treatment for PCOS.

Adrenal PCOS refers to a form of the condition where the adrenal glands produce excess androgens. Managing this type of PCOS means directly addressing adrenal function. This may include stress management techniques, because stress can impact the cortisol levels which are produced by the adrenal glands.

As you approach menopause, your PCOS symptoms may change. Some women find that menstrual irregularities begin to improve, but issues like insulin resistance and cardiovascular risks can still pose a threat. Continuing to monitor your health and manage your symptoms remains just as important during this stage of life.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can sometimes occur alongside PCOS. Symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities can overlap. Testing thyroid function is important because treating hypothyroidism can help alleviate some of the PCOS symptoms.

Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone and it can have an influence on PCOS symptoms. High cortisol levels that are caused from chronic stress may make any hormonal imbalances even worse. Incorporating stress relief techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be a great way to naturally help manage PCOS symptoms.

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in both hormone regulation and immune function. Some studies suggest that zinc supplementation may help reduce some of the PCOS symptoms like acne and hirsutism.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered if other fertility treatments haven’t been successful. IVF is the process of retrieving eggs and fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, then transferring the embryo to the uterus.