Reviewed by Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD
Reading Time: Five minutes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a health condition affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hormonal imbalance and metabolic issues. According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that PCOS affects 8-12% of women of reproductive age and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed.
Despite being a common condition, many women are not aware that they have PCOS and may suffer from its symptoms without getting the proper treatment.
If you suspect that you may have PCOS, take our symptoms quiz below. This quiz is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and should be used as a guide only.
Table of Contents
What Causes PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unclear. However, several factors are believed to play a role:
- Genetics: A family history of PCOS increases your risk.
- Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels can lead to an increase in androgen levels, affecting ovulation.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of PCOS.
- Hormones: Imbalance in certain hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can contribute to PCOS symptoms.
Symptoms Associated with PCOS
PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, but can include:
- Irregular or absent periods
- Irregular ovulation
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach or back (hirsutism)
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain
- Infertility
- Male-pattern baldness
- Skin tags
- Darkening of the skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
Take Our Symptoms Quiz
Answer yes or no to each question below:
- Do you have irregular and/or light periods?
- Is your ovulation unpredictable or inconsistent?
- Have you noticed excess facial and body hair?
- Do you suffer from severe acne or excessively oily skin?
- Are you overweight or having difficulty losing weight?
- Do you struggle with infertility?
- Have you noticed thinning hair or male pattern hair loss?
- Have you noticed skin tags on your neck or armpits?
If you answered “Yes” to any of the questions above, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and diagnosis of PCOS.
Diagnosing PCOS
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your healthcare provider may perform a combination of the following tests:
- Physical exam: Your healthcare provider may look for signs of PCOS, such as excess body hair and acne. They will ask you about symptoms, current medical history and family history.
- Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam will allow your doctor to look for other causes of abnormal bleeding.
- Blood tests: These can measure hormone levels, check for insulin resistance, and rule out other conditions.
- Pelvic ultrasound: This imaging test will allow the doctor to see your ovaries and the thickness of your uterine lining. They will also be able to look for other causes of abnormal bleeding.
Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed effectively through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise can significantly reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.
- Medications: Hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual periods, anti-androgens to reduce hair growth, and Metformin to improve insulin resistance.
- Fertility Treatments: For women seeking pregnancy, treatments to induce ovulation might be recommended.
- BHRT: Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help regulate hormone levels and alleviate symptoms.
Long-term Health Risks
Untreated PCOS can lead to serious health conditions, including:
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Endometrial cancer
- Sleep apnea
Take Control of Your Health
Understanding the symptoms and causes of PCOS is the first step towards effective management. If you suspect you have symptoms of PCOS, such as irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or weight gain, book an appointment with Dr. Kenton Bruice.
Dr. Bruice began his career as a physician in obstetrics and gynecology. He then changed his focus to hormone therapy and now exclusively focuses on bioidentical hormone therapy. His experience allows him to provide expert care and support for women dealing with hormonal imbalances, including those with PCOS.
Remember, early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. If you are looking for a ‘PCOS specialist near me,’ book an appointment with Dr. Kenton Bruice, MD.
For our Denver location, call (303) 957-6686. For our Aspen location, call (970) 925-6655.
Questions? Complete our online inquiry form.
Stay tuned for our next blog, Managing PCOS with Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
FAQS About PCOS
Does semaglutide help PCOS?
According to a recent study of obese PCOS patients who were unresponsive to a lifestyle modification program, semaglutide showed significant results in reducing body weight and improving symptoms of PCOS. However, more research is needed to determine its efficacy as a treatment for PCOS.
Is there a link between infertility and PCOS?
Yes, PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation and make it difficult for women to conceive. However, with proper treatment and management of PCOS symptoms, women can improve their chances of getting pregnant.
Can PCOS go away on its own?
PCOS is a chronic condition that does not have a cure. However, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication.
Can I take BHRT for PCOS?
Yes, BHRT can be an effective treatment option for women with PCOS. It helps regulate hormone levels and reduce symptoms of the condition.