PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system — the system of glands that produce hormones that regulate the body’s functions. The World Health Organization estimates that PCOS affects an estimated 8% to 13% of women of childbearing age (between 15 and 44). Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s when they see their healthcare provider about trouble getting pregnant.
Dr. Aliabadi calls PCOS the “silent epidemic” and goes on to say that it “is the leading cause of infertility, and yet patients are not being diagnosed in time.”
Living with a chronic condition like PCOS can take a toll on your life. Dr. Aliabadi is deeply passionate about helping women manage and overcome the challenges of PCOS. With her extensive expertise and compassionate approach, she has helped countless patients achieve better health and well-being.
Who is at risk of PCOS?
We don’t know what exactly causes the polycystic ovarian syndrome. While most women won’t be diagnosed with PCOS until their 20s or 30s, it can start at any age after puberty. There is no difference in risk for women of different ethnic backgrounds.
A family history of PCOS increases your own risk.
Obesity and PCOS go hand-in-hand: overweight people seem to be at higher risk, and obesity is a symptom of PCOS. Being overweight can also worsen PCOS symptoms.
PCOS often develops between puberty and menopause.
As we mentioned, the ovaries contain many follicles, which represent immature eggs. By the time a girl hits puberty, her ovaries contain about 40,000 follicles. These follicles have two main cell layers involved in hormone production: theca cells and granulosa cells.
Theca cells produce androgens in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). LH triggers the release of an egg from the ovary during the middle of the menstrual cycle,
These androgens then move to the granulosa cells, where they are converted into estrogen, helping with follicle maturation and ovulation.
An enzyme called aromatase, found in the ovaries and fat cells, converts androgens into estrogen. Insulin, cortisol, and inflammatory cytokines can stimulate the activity of aromatase.
Problems in these cells are thought to be the main cause of PCOS.
How do gynecologists diagnose PCOS?
There is no single test to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). To help diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes of your symptoms, Dr. Aliabadi will review your medical history and do a physical exam with tests:
Physical exam. Your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size will be checked. They will also examine your face, chest, back, and skin for signs of excess hair growth, acne, or skin discoloration. Dr. A may look for thinning hair or signs of other health conditions, such as an enlarged thyroid gland.
Pelvic exam. This may be performed for side effects of extra androgens (for example, an enlarged clitoris) and to check if your ovaries are enlarged or swollen.
Pelvic ultrasound (sonogram). This test uses sound waves to examine your ovaries for cysts and assess the endometrium, the lining of the uterus.
Blood tests. This is to check your androgen hormone levels. The doctor will also check for hormones related to other common health problems that can be mistaken for PCOS, such as thyroid disease. She may also check your cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Patients with PCOS symptoms typically experience:
Unpredictable and or irregular periods – Menstrual periods may be absent or infrequent, or occur too frequently
Several small ovarian cysts.
Severe acne or acne that doesn’t respond to treatment.
Oily skin.
Acanthosis nigricans – abnormal patches of skin that appear dark and velvety.
Skin tags – small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area.
Hirsutism – abnormal hair growth on the chest, face, upper thighs, and abdomen.
Male-pattern hair loss or baldness.
Severe weight gain affects about 80% of women with PCOS.
Infertility. PCOS also increases the risk of preterm delivery, a cesarean section delivery, and miscarriage.
Depression and anxiety.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please make an appointment with your OB/GYN. Keep a record of your symptoms, and be sure to ask any questions you may have. Your OB-GYN will diagnose based on your symptoms, hormone levels, and ultrasound findings.
If you’re overweight and have PCOS, you’re at higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.
Polycystic ovary syndrome causes the body to produce high levels of androgens (i.e., “male hormones”). Everyone has some androgens, but their levels tend to be lower in women.
This hormonal imbalance prevents the proper maturation of eggs. In healthy ovaries, eggs are developed and released by the follicles; the empty follicles then dissolve and are reabsorbed into the ovary. With PCOS, the immature follicles cannot dissolve and instead develop into small fluid-filled cysts.
Gynecologists, such as Dr. Aliabadi, who specialize in reproductive endocrinology, study the connection between hormonal imbalances and fertility. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility due to these hormonal imbalances.
Long-term health risks of polycystic ovary syndrome
While we don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, we do know it is related to insulin resistance and increased levels of androgens in the bloodstream. Also, patients with PCOS often have higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, meaning their bodies can’t lower blood sugar levels correctly. These factors contribute to your risk of serious illness and complications. Research shows that patients with PCOS have an increased risk of developing:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and, over time, increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
High cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
Metabolic syndrome
Endometrial cancer. Irregular or absent menstrual cycles can lead to a build-up of the uterine lining (endometrium), increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and, potentially, endometrial cancer.
Women with PCOS may also experience pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, or pre-eclampsia.
What are some PCOS treatments?
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, Dr. Aliabadi will recommend a course of treatment based on your symptoms, your medical history, and your desire to become pregnant in the future. While PCOS cannot be cured, a mixture of medication and lifestyle changes can lessen symptoms.
Oral contraceptive treatment can deliver estrogen and progestin to the body to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels. These pills can reduce menstrual irregularities and decrease unwanted body hair and acne. This treatment plan can work long-term for patients who no longer wish to become pregnant.
Weight loss
Healthy eating habits and regular physical activity can help relieve PCOS-related symptoms, but they may not be enough. While losing weight can help lower your blood glucose levels, improve the way your body uses insulin, and regulate hormones, PCOS can work against weight loss.
Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain. While it may be harder to reverse PCOS-triggered weight gain, it is possible to lose weight if you have PCOS. Support groups and primary care doctors can help find what your body needs to start losing weight and improving your symptoms.
Insulin-sensitizing drugs
These drugs are normally used to treat patients with diabetes, but they can help women with PCOS by facilitating the body’s response to insulin. They can also help jumpstart ovulation by reducing levels of androgens, which helps put the menstrual cycle back on track.
Appearance changes
If PCOS has given you extra unwanted hair, try facial hair removal creams, laser hair removal, or electrolysis. You can find hair removal creams and products at drugstores. A doctor may perform procedures such as laser hair removal or electrolysis; however, your insurance may not cover these services. These procedures can help reduce the appearance of excess hair and (potentially) slow its growth.
If you’re experiencing excessive acne due to PCOS, a dermatologist may be able to prescribe creams or treatments to reduce acne or improve its appearance.
Are there any supplements that may help PCOS sufferers?
As one of the leading medical experts in PCOS, Dr. Aliabadi set out to create a comprehensive PCOS solution. Frustrated with the roadblocks to diagnosis and quality care, Ovii was created to give women an opportunity to help take control of their health.
Dr. Aliabadi wanted more for her patients and set out to create a comprehensive solution targeting women’s health.
Ovii was formulated as a once daily nutritional supplement targeting women’s health beyond the standard.
Dr. Aliabadi has created an effective way forward for women seeking a science-backed, doctor-approved supplement. Ovii is an alternative that helps women manage their symptoms.
Make an appointment with Dr. Aliabadi, the best PCOS doctor near me
Don’t let PCOS define your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aliabadi and receive personalized expert care. The consultation is a thorough, customized process that involves a comprehensive review of your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms, along with diagnostic testing. Dr. Aliabadi (also known as “Dr. A” to her patients) collaborates with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique health needs, fertility goals, and long-term wellness, ensuring ongoing support and adjustments as needed.
As one of the nation’s leading OB/GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi in Beverly Hills offers the very best in women’s health and well-being. With her warm and professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women throughout all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Highly trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She implements the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and treatment options.
Dr. Aliabadi specializes in up-to-date, minimally invasive surgical techniques, which promise her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and minimal interruption to their daily lives.
We also invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700 for general inquiries.
Dr. Thais Aliabadi is a member of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Her practice is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
PCOS occurs when there is an overproduction of male hormones known as androgens. This hormonal imbalance is the primary cause of the condition.
How does PCOS affect the ovaries and fertility?
The excess androgens in women with PCOS lead to the development of small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, known as cysts. These cysts can interfere with the normal release of eggs, significantly affecting fertility and making it difficult for women to conceive.
How common is PCOS among women of childbearing age?
PCOS is a relatively common endocrine disorder affecting women, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 44, marking a significant percentage of the female population in their reproductive years.
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