PCOS

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by three key features:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles


• Excess androgen levels (male hormones like testosterone)


• Polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries with numerous small cysts)

While the exact cause is unknown, PCOS seems to arise from complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors that influence hormones and metabolism. Key aspects include:

• Insulin resistance - Many women with PCOS are insensitive to the effects of insulin in their bodies, leading to higher insulin levels that can impact ovulation and androgen production.


• Inflammation - Chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to insulin resistance and other PCOS symptoms.


• Hormonal imbalances - Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) and androgens, along with low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), disrupt normal menstrual cycles and stimulate excess testosterone production in the ovaries.

PCOS manifests differently in each woman. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or prolonged menstrual cycles


• Excess body and facial hair (hirsutism)


• Acne


• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight


• Thinning hair or balding (male pattern baldness)


• Darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans)

While there is no cure for PCOS, symptoms can often be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. Losing weight through diet and exercise can significantly improve PCOS, as can regulating menstrual cycles and managing hirsutism through birth control pills. Other medications like metformin may be used to treat accompanying issues like insulin resistance, infertility, or diabetes risk.

If lifestyle interventions fail to relieve PCOS or fertility is desired, the knowledgeable physicians at Renew Hormone Institute provide cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment options for PCOS through genetic testing, nutritional optimization, and holistic hormone balancing therapies. Their integrative approach identifies the unique root causes in each woman to create fully personalized treatment plans targeting improved quality of life. Contact Renew Hormone Institute today to discover a life beyond PCOS through their innovative solutions!

I hope this overview on PCOS - what it is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options - helps improve understanding of this complex disorder that affects so many women today. Let me know if you have any other questions!