Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS) is a very common hormone problem for women of childbearing age that affects the ovaries. Doctors don’t know the exact cause of PCOS. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. Obesity also can increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse. It’s common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have PCOS.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
- Ovaries that are large or have many cysts
- Extra body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Acne or oily skin
- Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Infertility
- Small pieces of extra skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
How is PCOS diagnosed?
We’ll ask about your health history and symptoms and give you a physical exam. Because some PCOS symptoms are similar to other health problems, you also may have an ultrasound and blood tests. Women with PCOS may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment depends on a number of factors including your age, severity of your symptoms, your overall health and whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
If you plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:
- A change in diet and activity to help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. This can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may help you ovulate.
- Medicines to cause ovulation to help the ovaries to release eggs normally.
If you don’t plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:
- Birth control pills to control menstrual cycles, lower androgen levels, and reduce acne.
- Diabetes medicine to lower insulin resistance. It also may help reduce androgen levels, slow hair growth, and help you ovulate more regularly.
- A change in diet and activity to help you lose weight and reduce your symptoms. This can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may help you ovulate.
- Medicines to treat other symptoms such as reducing hair growth or acne.