What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in adolescent and adult women. PCOS occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance. In addition to estrogen (the main female hormone), women also produce a small amount of testosterone (the main male hormone). Teenagers and women with PCOS make some extra testosterone.
What are the causes of PCOS?
Doctors don't know exactly what causes PCOS. In most women, it is probably a combination of factors, including genetic factors that you inherit from your family. For example, the mother or sisters of women with this syndrome often have it too.
What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?
Signs and symptoms include:
Irregular menstrual periods, which means having your period more than once a month or every few months, or never having it
- Periods with a lot or little bleeding
- Unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, back, hands, upper arms and legs, or around the nipples
- Acne
- Finer hair
- Dark, thick patches on the skin of the neck, armpits, or between the breasts
- Weight problems
Teenagers and women with PCOS are also at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
What is the medical exam for PCOS?
The doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your health, the medications you take, and your menstrual cycle. The doctor will also want to know if there is a family history of the syndrome (in your mother, sister, or aunt).
During the physical exam, the doctor will measure your blood pressure and determine your height and weight. They will also examine body hair growth and check for dark spots on the skin.
Your doctor may order blood tests to measure hormone, blood glucose (sugar), or cholesterol levels. Sometimes doctors perform a pelvic exam or order ultrasound scans (imaging tests) of the ovaries and uterus. This type of test can show if you have ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled bubbles in and on your ovaries. Your doctor will make sure that there are no other causes of irregular periods or changes in the hormonal level.
What is the treatment for PCOS?
Treatments include one or more of the following options:
Lifestyle changes such as drinking less sugary drinks and high-calorie desserts to help control your weight, exercise daily, and avoid smoking
Consultations with a registered dietitian to help you make healthy food choices and lose weight, if needed
Medications that contain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone (or progesterone only), such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, or transdermal patches; medicines that help your body use insulin better, such as metformin (for prediabetes or diabetes), or medicines for acne
Treatment for unwanted facial and body hair, such as bleach, wax, medications, shaving, electrolysis, or laser treatments
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition in adolescent and adult women. PCOS occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance. In addition to estrogen (the main female hormone), women also produce a small amount of testosterone (the main male hormone). Teenagers and women with PCOS make some extra testosterone.What are the causes of PCOS?Doctors don't know exactly what causes PCOS. In most women, it is probably a combination of factors, including genetic factors that you inherit from your family. For example, the mother or sisters of women with this syndrome often have it too.What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?Signs and symptoms include:Irregular menstrual periods, which means having your period more than once a month or every few months, or never having itPeriods with a lot or little bleedingUnwanted hair growth on the face, chest, back, hands, upper arms and legs, or around the nipplesAcneFiner hairDark, thick patches on the skin of the neck, armpits, or between the breastsWeight problemsTeenagers and women with PCOS are also at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.What is the medical exam for PCOS?The doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your health, the medications you take, and your menstrual cycle. The doctor will also want to know if there is a family history of the syndrome (in your mother, sister, or aunt).During the physical exam, the doctor will measure your blood pressure and determine your height and weight. They will also examine body hair growth and check for dark spots on the skin.Your doctor may order blood tests to measure hormone, blood glucose (sugar), or cholesterol levels. Sometimes doctors perform a pelvic exam or order ultrasound scans (imaging tests) of the ovaries and uterus. This type of test can show if you have ovarian cysts, which are fluid-filled bubbles in and on your ovaries. Your doctor will make sure that there are no other causes of irregular periods or changes in the hormonal level.What is the treatment for PCOS?Treatments include one or more of the following options:Lifestyle changes such as drinking less sugary drinks and high-calorie desserts to help control your weight, exercise daily, and avoid smokingConsultations with a registered dietitian to help you make healthy food choices and lose weight, if neededMedications that contain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone (or progesterone only), such as birth control pills, vaginal rings, or transdermal patches; medicines that help your body use insulin better, such as metformin (for prediabetes or diabetes), or medicines for acneTreatment for unwanted facial and body hair, such as bleach, wax, medications, shaving, electrolysis, or laser treatments https://ift.tt/eA8V8J https://ift.tt/3BXiMiy
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