PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. The condition causes excess male hormone (androgen) levels in women, which can lead to a wide array of unpleasant side effects. Treatment from the RGV Endocrine Center team can offer you symptom relief. 

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Signs and symptoms of PCOS can range in severity from mild to severe. You might experience:

• Irregular periods
• Prolonged menstrual cycles
• Excess androgen levels
• Facial or body hair growth
• Acne
• Male-pattern baldness
• Enlarged ovaries
• Ovarian follicles surrounding your eggs
• Poor ovarian functioning
• Infertility

Symptoms might be more severe if you’re overweight or obese. They can appear near the time of your first period or develop later in life.

The cause of PCOS isn’t entirely clear. Possible risk factors include excess insulin production, low-grade inflammation, heredity, and hormone imbalance.

What are potential PCOS complications?

If left untreated, PCOS can lead to unpleasant or serious complications. Examples include diabetes, high blood pressure, miscarriage or premature birth, liver inflammation, and metabolic syndrome, as well as depression, anxiety, sleep apnea, and endometrial cancer.

How does my provider diagnose PCOS?

To diagnose PCOS and develop a treatment plan, your RGV Endocrine Center specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history. 

They complete a comprehensive physical examination and might recommend you undergo blood tests, a pelvic examination, or pelvic ultrasound. Your provider may screen you for additional medical problems.

What are my PCOS treatment options?

Your personalized PCOS treatment depends on the severity of your condition, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Your RGV Endocrine Center specialist may suggest:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes may reduce your risk of PCOS-related symptoms and complications. Your provider may recommend reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, eating more nutritious foods, limiting carbohydrates, and getting regular exercise.

Medications

Taking certain medications can help you better manage PCOS-related symptoms. Your doctor may suggest you take combination birth control pills, hormone-blocking medicines, injections, other hormone therapies, or diabetes medications.

Hair removal treatments

To reduce unwanted hair growth on your face and body, your doctor might recommend you try birth control pills, androgen-blocking medicines, topical creams, electrolysis, or laser hair removal. 

Don’t live with unpleasant PCOS symptoms or complications when highly effective treatments are within reach at RGV Endocrine Center. Schedule an appointment today.