What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance in women in which genetic factors and insulin resistance cause the ovaries and adrenal glands to produce more male hormones than normal. PCOS causes weight gain, irregular or painful menstrual periods and can make it hard for women to get pregnant. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility because it disturbs ovulation. Many women don't find out that they have PCOS until they have trouble getting pregnant. The name PCOS is a misnomer because abnormal ovarian follicles look like tiny benign cysts but aren’t cysts. These follicles, arrested in maturation are a source of infertility and hormonal imbalance. Other symptoms of PCOS can include:
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or thighs
- Thinning hair on the head
- Acne, oily skin, or patches of thickened skin
- Extreme difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue
Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for several diseases, including:
- Heart disease and high blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain and obesity
- Endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS is a blend of genetic and environmental factors. However, PCOS has been found to be more common in women who have a family member with PCOS or type 2 diabetes. Many other endocrine disorders have the same symptoms as PCOS, so detailed hormonal testing is necessary to rule out these conditions. Dr. Isaacs can provide a comprehensive evaluation, and if PCOS is diagnosed early, treatment and weight loss can reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
How is PCOS treated?
There is currently no cure for PCOS, and it doesn’t go away on its own. However, there are many ways you can decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms. At Atlanta Endocrine Associates, management of PCOS focuses on each woman's primary concerns, including weight loss, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Many medications have been found to be helpful in the treatment of PCOS including metformin, semaglutide and tirzepatide. For weight management, Dr. Isaacs creates a customized diet and exercise plan that works for your lifestyle. Even a 5% weight loss can improve many symptoms of PCOS. Long-term, the most important aspect of treatment is managing cardiovascular risks such as obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension. If you’re experiencing symptoms of PCOS, or suspect it might be the cause of your weight gain or fatigue, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Dr. Isaacs.
PCOS is the ovarian manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.
