Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, affecting as many as one in 10. Despite how common it is, many women live with PCOS for years before receiving a diagnosis, often because its symptoms are easy to attribute to stress, weight changes, or “just having irregular periods.”
At The Women’s Centre for Well Being, Dr. Gregory Eads helps women in The Woodlands, TX recognize the signs of PCOS, get a clear diagnosis, and find a treatment plan that supports their health and family goals. Here’s what you should know.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects how your ovaries work. Women with PCOS often have higher-than-normal levels of androgens, sometimes called “male hormones,” although all women produce them in small amounts. Elevated androgens can interfere with ovulation, so the ovaries may not release an egg each month.
Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance, which means the body doesn’t respond to insulin as efficiently as it should. Insulin resistance can raise androgen levels even further and increases the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.
Despite the name, you don’t need to have cysts on your ovaries to have PCOS. The “cysts” are actually small, immature follicles that didn’t release an egg, and not every woman with PCOS has them.
Common Signs of PCOS
PCOS looks different from one woman to the next, and symptoms can range from mild to significant. Common signs include:
- Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or back
- Persistent acne, especially along the jawline
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Darkened, velvety patches of skin on the neck, underarms, or groin
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Because these symptoms often develop gradually, it helps to mention all of them to your provider, even the ones that seem unrelated.
How PCOS Is Diagnosed in The Woodlands
No single test confirms PCOS. Instead, Dr. Eads will review your symptoms and medical history and look for at least two of the following three features:
- Irregular or absent ovulation, often reflected in irregular periods
- Signs of elevated androgens, either through symptoms such as excess hair growth or through blood work
- Polycystic-appearing ovaries on a pelvic ultrasound
Your evaluation may include a pelvic exam, a pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests to measure hormone levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Dr. Eads will also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or elevated prolactin, so your diagnosis is accurate.
How PCOS Affects Fertility
PCOS is one of the most common causes of ovulation-related infertility. When you don’t ovulate regularly, there are fewer opportunities each year to conceive, and it can be difficult to predict your fertile window.
The encouraging news is that many women with PCOS do get pregnant, often with help from treatment. Depending on your needs, Dr. Eads may recommend:
- Lifestyle changes: For women who are overweight, losing even 5% to 10% of body weight can help restore regular ovulation.
- Ovulation-inducing medication: Oral medications such as letrozole are often the first step to help your ovaries release an egg.
- Metformin: This medication improves insulin sensitivity and may support more regular cycles in some women.
- Advanced fertility treatment: If other options aren’t successful, Dr. Eads can discuss injectable medications or refer you for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Women with PCOS have a higher risk of certain pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Planning ahead with your provider helps you enter pregnancy as healthy as possible.
Managing PCOS for Long-Term Health
Even if pregnancy isn’t part of your plans, PCOS is worth treating. Without regular periods, the lining of the uterus can build up over time, which raises the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. PCOS is also linked to higher rates of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, anxiety, and depression.
For women who aren’t trying to conceive, hormonal birth control is a common option to regulate periods and reduce acne and excess hair growth. Dr. Eads may also recommend medications to address insulin resistance, along with nutrition and activity changes that fit your daily life. Regular checkups allow your care team to monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure over time.
Find Answers About PCOS at The Women’s Centre for Well Being
Living with unexplained symptoms can be frustrating, and wondering whether PCOS will affect your ability to have children can be stressful. A diagnosis gives you answers and a clear path forward. At The Women’s Centre for Well Being, Dr. Eads takes the time to listen to your concerns, explain your results, and create a personalized plan for your symptoms, your fertility, and your long-term health.
If you’re experiencing irregular periods or other signs of PCOS, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eads today. Call (832) 813-0979 or contact our Woodlands office online to request your appointment.