Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects women during their childbearing years, and up to 70% of women with the condition aren’t aware they have it. At The Endocrine Center’s three offices in Houston, Texas, the team of board-certified endocrinology, thyroid, and diabetes specialists treat the symptoms and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome with medications, hormone therapy, and strategic lifestyle changes. To schedule your evaluation, call the Main Campus, Methodist West, or Greater Heights office or book online today.
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a condition that influences women’s hormone levels. If you have it, your ovaries produce too many male hormones called androgens. This results in irregular menstrual periods and can make it very difficult for you to get pregnant. Additionally, you might develop small fluid-filled cysts on your ovaries.
Experts don’t know the exact cause of PCOS, but there are a few contributing factors that can play a role in the condition’s development. Your genetics can contribute to PCOS as well as factors like low-grade inflammation throughout your body and excess insulin levels.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause many different symptoms; individual collections of symptoms vary from person to person. If you have PCOS, you might have first noticed symptoms around the time you got your first menstrual period. If not, your first indication could be weight gain or trouble getting pregnant.
A few of the most common signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome are:
The team at The Endocrine Center takes a full evaluation of your symptoms and performs a physical exam to make an accurate diagnosis.
Without a treatment or management strategy, polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to numerous complications that can affect your health severely. As a result of having PCOS, you might experience:
During your initial assessment at The Endocrine Center, the team evaluates your risk for complications like these and finds out whether or not you already have any. They address complications from PCOS while forming your treatment plan.
There currently isn’t a cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but the team at The Endocrine Center can address your symptoms and complications with an individualized management plan. Some treatments work by regulating your hormones and menstrual cycle, while others address specific symptoms like hirsutism. Your personalized plan may include:
Lifestyle factors are perhaps the most important part of your PCOS management plan. The team may recommend losing weight, limiting carbohydrates in your diet, and exercising more often as strategies to lower your insulin and androgen levels.
If you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and want to develop a treatment plan to reduce them, call The Endocrine Center or schedule an appointment online at your nearest location today.
