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Roughly one in 10 women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). And not only is it possible to have PCOS without knowing it, but most women who have it are unaware, as 70% remain undiagnosed.
Serving Atlanta and Alpharetta, Georgia, the team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology, have extensive experience diagnosing and treating PCOS, which affects women of reproductive age. Because symptoms are often subtle or inconsistent, PCOS is commonly misunderstood, making it easy to miss the signs.
This hormonal disorder is characterized by androgen levels that are higher than normal, which can prevent normal ovulation. In fact, it’s the most common cause of lack of ovulation (anovulation).
Failure to ovulate regularly makes it more difficult to get pregnant, and this is one reason PCOS is a leading cause of infertility. Because many women are unaware that they have PCOS, they often find out when they have challenges getting pregnant.
Not all women with PCOS have obvious symptoms. Some women experience mild symptoms, such as acne or irregular periods, and others may not notice any signs. While irregular or missed periods is one of the most common signs of PCOS, it may be easy to dismiss this as normal if your cycle has always been slightly irregular.
PCOS affects the way your body uses insulin, commonly leading to insulin-resistance. As many as 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can cause various other issues, such as weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
However, not everyone with PCOS struggles with weight issues, which is why weight alone isn’t always a clear indicator. Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism) is another subtle sign of PCOS. Elevated androgen levels in women with PCOS stimulate hair growth, causing normally fine hair to grow thicker.
The wide range of symptoms makes PCOS difficult to detect on your own. Because it’s a condition that affects hormones, the symptoms can mimic other issues that arise with things like added stress, weight fluctuations, or lifestyle changes.
Many women who don’t experience extreme symptoms may go years without a diagnosis. Additionally, PCOS doesn’t have a single test for diagnosing the condition.
It requires a careful evaluation of your symptoms, blood tests to check hormone levels, and sometimes an ultrasound to assess the ovaries. The skilled providers at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology use this comprehensive approach to rule out other potential causes and make an accurate diagnosis.
Left untreated, PCOS can lead to long-term health issues. Aside from irregular periods and fertility problems, PCOS can increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Even if you aren’t currently trying to conceive, managing PCOS is important to maintain your overall health. Addressing symptoms early with our team can help reduce the risk of complications.
If you suspect you may have PCOS or you’ve been dealing with symptoms like irregular periods or unexplained weight gain, it’s important to seek an evaluation to get answers.
At Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology, our team has over 30 years of experience caring for women throughout all phases of life. Contact us to schedule an appointment today, and let’s work together to ensure your reproductive health is on the right track.
