What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?
PCOS is a condition that throws women’s hormones out of balance, which leads to a host of unwanted consequences:
- Problems with your period
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Undesirable changes in your appearance
- Growth of small cysts on ovaries
The ovarian cysts aren’t necessarily harmful, but they can lead to further hormonal imbalances. Nevertheless, PCOS is dangerous: over time, it could lead to diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, if Dr. McMurray diagnoses and treats it early, she’ll be able to control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but genetics may be a factor: PCOS seems to run in families, both from the mother’s side and the father’s side. Also, your chance of having it is higher if other women in your family have it, or if they have irregular periods or diabetes.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of PCOS can be mild at first, but if left untreated they can grow worse or new symptoms can develop. The most common symptoms associated with PCOS are:
- Acne on the face or body
- Weight gain and trouble losing weight
- Extra or thicker hair on the face and body
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Irregular periods
- Depression
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Dr. McMurray goes through several steps to arrive at a PCOS diagnosis. She’ll ask questions about your past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles. She’ll also do a physical exam to check for signs of PCOS, looking for signs like high blood pressure or thinning hair. Dr. McMurray will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index. She may also order a pelvic ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries.
Lab tests might be run to check on your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. These hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms.
