What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes lots of cysts or fluid-filled sacs to form on the ovaries in many cases. However, some women with PCOS do not get them. 

The key feature of PCOS is an overproduction of androgens, male hormones that are present in women in lower amounts, from the ovaries.

Due to the hormone imbalance resulting from PCOS, you may skip menstrual periods or experience infertility — PCOS is a leading cause of infertility because it can inhibit ovulation. Fortunately, Oasis Women’s Wellness Center has many resources available to treat your PCOS symptoms and improve your fertility, if you choose to do so. 

While they create your PCOS treatment plan, the team at Oasis Women’s Wellness Center considers whether or not you want to become pregnant in the future while choosing procedures and medications. 

What are some common signs of PCOS?

PCOS comes with a wide range of symptoms, most of which stem from the excess androgens that your ovaries release. 

Most women with the condition start experiencing PCOS symptoms around the onset of their first menstrual period, but it’s possible not to notice any unusual changes until later in life when you gain weight, have trouble conceiving, or develop other symptoms. 

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of PCOS are:

• Missed or irregular periods
• Very heavy or very light periods
• Weight gain 
• Excess body hair
• Oily skin and acne
• Hair thinning or balding on the scalp
• Skin tags
• Dark patches of skin
• Headaches

In addition to its common symptoms, PCOS puts you at a higher likelihood of developing certain health conditions and complications. 

With PCOS, you’re at a higher risk for depression, endometrial cancer, and metabolic syndrome. The team at Oasis Women’s Wellness Center considers these conditions while treating you for PCOS.  

How is PCOS treated?

The best way to treat PCOS depends on if you plan on getting pregnant in the future. If you’d like to consider pregnancy soon or are actively trying to conceive, the team at Oasis Women’s Wellness Center works with you to manage your weight and modify your diet, which may promote ovulation. They also may prescribe medications that stimulate healthy ovulation.

If you don’t plan on getting pregnant, treatment for PCOS usually involves birth control pills. In addition to keeping you from getting pregnant if you are fertile, birth control pills contain hormones that help control your menstrual cycles and lower the levels of androgens in your system. 

Even if you’re not trying to get pregnant, following a nutritious diet and managing your weight may be part of your PCOS treatment plan. Additionally, other medications can help with specific symptoms and complications from PCOS. 

If you have symptoms of PCOS or would like to learn more about treatments for the condition, call Oasis Women’s Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.