Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related problem that affects women during their reproductive years. Essentially, small sacs of fluid (aka cysts) develop along the outer edges of a woman’s ovaries. Those cysts contain immature eggs (aka follicles), which fail to regularly release eggs. Consequently, women with PCOS have incredibly irregular periods. If you think you might have PCOS Virginia, today’s blog post reveals everything you need to know.
Symptoms of PCOS Virginia
Although women first experience PCOS symptoms at the start of their first menstrual period, it is possible for symptoms to develop later. Generally, a PCOS diagnosis is made whenever a woman has two of these:
- Irregular periods
- Too much androgen
- Polycystic ovaries
When to See a Doctor
Wondering if your PCOS symptoms are cause for concern? We recommend seeing a healthcare provider if you’re worried about your periods, struggling to get pregnant, or have signs of excess androgen (new hair growth on your face/body, acne, and male-pattern baldness).
What Causes PCOS?
While the exact cause of PCOS remains unknown, several factors play a role:
- Heredity
- Excess androgen
- Insulin resistance
- Low-grade inflammation
Related Complications
Typically, women struggling with PCOS might experience the following:
- Sleep apnea
- Infertility struggles
- Metabolic syndrome
- Miscarriages or premature births
- Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining)
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (severe liver inflammation)
- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced blood pressure
- Depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or other mental health struggles
Best Treatment for PCOS Virginia
If you or a loved one are struggling with PCOS Virginia, Dr. Hall and her team at The Menopause Center can help. While lifestyle changes (exercising, getting enough sleep, etc.) might relieve some of your symptoms, we would be happy to discuss your medical options. Contact our team to learn more and/or set up a personalized treatment plan.