PCOS - Hormone Harmony Clinic

What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. But what exactly is it? Let's break it down.

PCOS is characterized by a group of symptoms, including:

• Irregular periods or amenorrhea (lack of periods)
• Excess androgen levels (male hormones like testosterone)
• Polycystic ovaries (ovaries with multiple small cysts)

"PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age." - (testosteronecost.com)

But what causes this hormonal imbalance? Well, the exact cause is unknown, but experts believe insulin resistance plays a major role.

You might be wondering, "How does insulin resistance affect PCOS?" Insulin resistance means your body doesn't use insulin properly, leading to high insulin levels. This can cause the ovaries to produce too many male hormones, disrupting the ovulation process.

Common PCOS Symptoms

• Irregular periods (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea)
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, etc.
• Acne
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Thinning hair/hair loss
• Infertility

Yikes, that's quite a list! If you're experiencing any of those symptoms, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about getting evaluated for PCOS.

Speaking of which, if you're in the area, check out the caring professionals at Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their team specializes in helping women manage PCOS and other hormone-related issues through lifestyle changes, medications, and more!

Managing PCOS

While there's no cure for PCOS, many treatments can help manage the symptoms. A combination of the following is often recommended:

1. Lifestyle Changes
   • Losing weight through diet and exercise (even a 5% weight loss can help regulate periods)
   • Limiting carbs and eating more protein and fiber
2. Medications
   • Birth control pills to regulate periods and lower androgen levels
   • Insulin-sensitizing drugs like metformin
   • Anti-androgen drugs
3. Fertility Treatments (if struggling to get pregnant)

The key is working closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan for your needs.

PCOS may seem complicated, but understanding it is the first step to managing your symptoms and staying healthy! Don't hesitate to reach out to professionals like those at Hormone Harmony Clinic for support on your PCOS journey.