If you have any combination of these symptoms you might have PCOS:
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Mood swings
- Facial hair
- Weight gain
- Iirregular periods
- Infertility
Here’s what you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
1) PCOS affects 5-10% of reproductive women
2) PCOS is the NUMBER 1 cause of infertility
3) PCOS is commonly missed by Doctors and Gynecologists
4) PCOS diagnosis is made if you experience 2 of the following 3 signs:
- Irregular periods
- Elevated levels of male hormones (testosterone) or symptoms of acne, male pattern hair loss and baldness, facial hair growth and body hair.
- PCOS looking ovaries on ultrasound. Despite the name, many people DO NOT have cysts on their ovaries.
5) Having PCOS can increase the likelihood of mood swings, depression and anxiety
6) Signs and symptoms of PCOS usually develop around the time of the first menstrual period but can also develop in response to increase weight gain.
7) The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.
8) All females make androgens (male hormones). Women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens. The excess androgens are produced mostly by the ovaries.
9) The excess androgen can be caused by several things:
- Excess insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar. If the cells are resistant to the insulin in the blood, sugar levels go up and your body might produce more insulin. Elevated levels of insulin then cause increased androgen production and weight gain!
- The ovaries produce excess androgens.
10) Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
11) PCOS treatments include:
- Birth control pills regulate periods and improve excess hair growth and acne by lowering androgen levels in the blood.
- Metformin helps by lowering the blood sugar and insulin levels. As the insulin levels go down, the androgen secretion decreases and symptoms of PCOS improve.
- Spironolactone is used to help with the symptoms of PCOS including acne, hairloss and facial hair.
- Vaniqa cream helps with facial hair.
12) Low sugar diet and regular exercise is a must for PCOS patients.
13) If you think you have PCOS and you are trying for pregnancy, you might need to be started on Metformin.
About Dr. Thais Aliabadi
As one of the nation’s leading OB-GYNs, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi offers the very best in gynecological and obstetric care. Together with her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi supports women through all phases of life. She fosters a special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor. We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi.
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Highly-trained and honored by the medical community, Dr. Thais Aliabadi is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and 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, promising her patients shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and the least interruption to their daily lives.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
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