PCOS Treatment Options

PCOS Treatment

PCOS is a condition whereby multiple cysts develop on a woman’s ovaries and can cause irregular menstrual cycles, acne, obesity, male pattern baldness, and other symptoms. The good news is that PCOS is a treatable condition! The type of treatment you receive will likely depend on your symptoms and goals. When you experience Garden City PCOS related symptoms, there are various treatment options that your doctor can use to liberate you from pain.

What happens during the diagnosis?

Your doctor will typically order blood tests and ultrasounds to diagnose PCOS. They may also ask about your lifestyle, checking for risk factors such as diet, exercise routine, and family history. Some indicative signs of PCOS have elevated androgen levels, a hormone imbalance, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

Causes of PCOS

These are some of the causes:

  • Genetics: Studies have shown that PCOS has a genetic component, meaning that certain genes can increase your risk of developing the condition.
  • Insulin resistance: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When you are insulin resistant, your body cannot use insulin effectively, and it can cause a hormone imbalance, including an increase in androgen levels.
  • Excess inflammation: Chronic inflammation can also contribute to PCOS by disrupting the body’s natural hormones.
  • Stress can also be a factor in PCOS, as it disrupts the body’s hormone balance.

Treatments for PCOS

Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options available:

Dietary changes

Healthy foods like lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can help regulate blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Also, limit or avoid processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. You can discuss this with a nutritionist to develop an eating plan.

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Hormonal medications

Birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce PCOS symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe other hormones, such as clomiphene, metformin, or spironolactone, to treat the condition.

Lifestyle modifications

Exercising regularly, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep can help to improve symptoms. Keeping a healthy weight can also reduce the severity of PCOS-related issues like acne.

Surgery

Surgery may sometimes be recommended to remove ovarian cysts or excess tissue. This procedure is typically only done as a last resort when other treatments have not been successful.

Natural remedies

Some women may find relief with natural treatments such as herbal supplements, acupuncture, yoga, or meditation. Acupuncture can help to reduce symptoms such as anxiety and stress, while yoga can be beneficial for reducing weight.

What happens when PCOS is left untreated?

If PCOS is left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems such as:

  • Infertility: PCOS can make it difficult to become pregnant and increases the risk of miscarriages.
  • Type 2 diabetes: PCOS is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
  • High cholesterol levels: Women with PCOS are more likely to have high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
  • Endometrial cancer: PCOS can lead to an increased risk of endometrial cancer due to a build-up of uterine lining tissue caused by hormone imbalances.
  • Sleep apnea: Women with PCOS are more likely to have sleep apnea, which is a disorder that causes disrupted breathing during sleep.

If you are experiencing PCOS symptoms, you should speak to your specialist at Women’s Healthcare of Garden City.

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