Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a chronic condition that affects women during their childbearing years. The condition results from an imbalance in reproductive hormones and an excess production of the androgen hormone.

Androgen is a male hormone that plays a role in male characteristics, including facial hair. Women normally produce small amounts of androgen, but excess levels can interfere with their ovulation cycle.

Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive care for women with PCOS. Its experienced medical providers offer diagnostic testing onsite and create treatment plans to manage PCOS-related symptoms.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms typically start near the time of your first period but can begin at any time before you reach menopause, the natural end of your childbearing years.

PCOS can cause:

• Acne flare-ups
• Irregular periods
• Longer or shorter periods
• Excess facial and body hair
• Male-pattern baldness

Pelvic pain can be a side effect of PCOS and occurs when cysts form on your ovaries. Small cysts don’t usually cause symptoms, but they can grow large enough to become painful. If a cyst ruptures, you might experience sudden and severe pelvic pain.

PCOS is also a cause of infertility due to the ovulation issues high androgen levels can trigger.

If you have difficulties conceiving a pregnancy after a year of having unprotected sex or need help managing PCOS symptoms, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

Initially, your Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology provider may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help you maintain a healthy weight. Because obesity can make PCOS symptoms worse, you should focus on losing excess pounds through a nutritious diet and daily exercise.

Your physician may also prescribe hormonal birth control pills to regulate your periods and ovulation cycle. Birth control can also treat acne and excess hair growth.

You can expect to schedule follow-up visits so your provider can monitor your progress with treatment. They can also provide resources if you’re interested in starting or expanding your family but have infertility challenges.

Call the Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). You can also use the online booking feature to request an appointment.