PCOS - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. An estimated 5-10% of women of reproductive age have PCOS.

The main signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular or missed menstrual cycles - this is often the first sign of PCOS for many women
• Excess androgen levels - leading to symptoms like facial hair growth, scalp hair loss, acne, and oily skin
• Ovarian cysts - women with PCOS often develop small, harmless cysts in their ovaries
• Multiple ovarian follicles (undeveloped ovarian eggs)
• Obesity or rapid weight gain - 50-80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese

PCOS is also associated with infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, depression, and endometrial cancer risk.

So what causes PCOS? The exact cause is unknown, but it likely involves a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors such as obesity and insulin resistance. Key features include:

• Excess androgen levels - the ovaries produce more androgens like testosterone than normal, caused by excess luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation of the ovaries
• High LH to FSH ratio - the balance of LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is disrupted
• Insulin resistance - this affects up to 70% of PCOS patients and exacerbates reproductive and metabolic disturbances

If you suspect you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist. You may be referred to an endocrinologist who specializes in hormonal conditions.

At Vitality Hormone Clinic, our caring medical team can provide comprehensive PCOS testing, treatment, and management. We offer individualized care plans to address irregular cycles, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, fertility issues, and insulin resistance. Contact us today to take control of your PCOS and improve your health and wellbeing.

The diagnosis of PCOS is based on clinical, physical, and blood test findings. Your doctor will check for signs of excess male hormone levels, irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and may order blood tests to measure:

• Androgen levels - testosterone and DHEAS levels are often elevated
• LH and FSH levels
• Blood sugar and insulin levels to check for prediabetes or insulin resistance
• Inflammatory markers like CRP
• Thyroid tests and others to rule out other causes of irregular cycles

Regarding treatment, a multi-pronged approach is best to manage PCOS symptoms. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, nutrition, and exercise can make a big difference. Your doctor may also prescribe medications like birth control pills, anti-androgens, insulin sensitizers, or ovulation induction agents. Procedures like laser hair removal or electrolysis can also help. The key is finding the right combination of lifestyle, natural supplements, and medical treatments tailored to your specific PCOS manifestations.

I hope this overview helps explain this common but often confusing disorder. Let me know if you have any other questions!