Symptoms can includeirregular or missed menstrual periods, acne, and/or excess hair on your face.
PCOS is often undiagnosed even though it impacts up to 10% of females of childbearing age.
Not knowing you have PCOS can threaten your long-term health.
Photo composite by Zack Angeline for Verywell Health / Getty Images
This article describes PCOS symptoms, how to get a diagnosis, and what happens after a diagnosis.
Many symptoms are related tohigherandrogenlevelsliketestosterone.
Being overweight increases the likelihood of irregular periods with PCOS.
Obesity usually develops at the same time as puberty in people with PCOS.
Weight gain may occur quickly with no obvious cause within a few months.
The weight may also be difficult to lose despitedietand exercise.
However, it is a myth that PCOS only affects overweight people.
About 20% of people with PCOS have normal or lowbody mass index (BMI).
While PCOS is related to infertility, it is a myth that you could’t get pregnant with PCOS.
This syndrome is one of the most treatable causes of infertility in females.
This bang out of acne can also be more difficult to clear with traditional acne treatments.
Insulin levels rise in PCOS as the body doesn’t respond to this blood sugar-regulating hormone efficiently.
However, it doesn’t lead to baldness.
Since many of these symptoms are not unique to PCOS, people may not recognize them as being problematic.
As a result, many people don’t seek a diagnosis until they have abnormal periods or fertility problems.
Most people find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s.
A PCOS diagnosis can often be confirmed with the following evaluations:
What Is an Endocrinologist?
PCOS is often diagnosed by anendocrinologist.
This is a physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of hormonal glands.
Ultrasound
Atransvaginal ultrasoundis a key in ofultrasound that can help in diagnosing PCOS.
The appearance of these follicles is a defining characteristic of PCOS.
Their appearance is often compared to a “string of pearls.”
These are then sent to a lab for testing.
Up to 75% of people with PCOS remain undiagnosed despite visiting a healthcare provider.
Even with a diagnosis, people report unmet information needs about their condition.
Having PCOS increases your risk of developing serious health problems, especially if you are overweight.
Unfortunately, the symptoms of PCOS are often ignored or misunderstood, resulting in delayed diagnoses.
If your healthcare provider doesn’t work with you to order these labs, don’t ignore your concerns.
It may be time to find a healthcare provider who will honor your requests.
After PCOS Diagnosis: What Are the Treatment Options?
These medications contain a combination of estrogen and progestin.
Removing Unwanted Hair
There are many options for hair removal.
A drug called Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a cream that slows hair growth, especially on the face.
The key in of treatment used depends on the severity of your acne and its duration.
Summary
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs as a result of a hormone imbalance.
The syndrome causes a set of symptoms that include insulin resistance and higher levels of androgen hormones.
PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility.
It hinders normal ovulation (the release of eggs) and stable menstrual periods.
Diagnosis is by symptoms, blood tests, and imaging.
Since PCOS symptoms are common in other ailments, those must be ruled out.
While there is no cure for PCOS, treatments can reduce symptoms of this lifelong problem.
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