PCOS

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting up to 13% of women of reproductive age. It often leads to irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries, impacting fertility and overall health. At Nurture Women’s Health, we provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications, medications like metformin, and fertility support. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you manage PCOS effectively and improve your quality of life.

WHAT CAUSES PCOS?

Hormones work as instructions, telling the components of our body to grow or function as they should. When a woman has PCOS, her delicate hormonal balance is thrown off. Even the smallest imbalance can cause a chain reaction which throws off an entire system. For example, sex hormones are often out of balance in a patient who suffers from PCOS. Because of this factor, her body might produce more androgens (male hormones) than normal. This can cause the growth of facial hair, acne and even the interruption of ovulation. PCOS is not well understood. Physicians and scientists have not yet found a root cause, but there seems to be a genetic link in families. If other women in your family have PCOS or irregular periods, your chances of having similar experiences are higher. PCOS is not exclusive to the maternal side; the paternal genetics also play a factor.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS?

At first, symptoms are quite mild. You might not think anything of them until time persists and they become worse. The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

Increased acne
Sudden weight gain and problems with losing weight
Growing extra hair on the face, back, chest or other areas of the body
Irregular periods. Many women with PCOS have less than nine periods per year. Some do not have a single period. Others experience very heavy bleeding.
Infertility
Depression

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

At Nurture Women’s Health, we can diagnose your PCOS and begin your treatment. Diagnosis is often made after a pelvic exam, general health assessment, labs to check blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as an ultrasound, to check for the presence of cysts on the ovaries. Your unpleasant symptoms can be reduced, as well as the risk of long-term health problems associated with PCOS.