As you move through the phases of life, it’s normal to experience changes in your menstrual cycle and overall health. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms as unavoidable.
Very often, women adapt to changes without looking for the root cause. That might be because you’re running at peak capacity, taking care of your family, community, or career. Or it might be because over time, we’ve normalized women’s pain to the point where far too many women just learn to reshape their lives based on symptoms.
At Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness, we always take the time to listen to the women in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who entrust us with their care. That listening informs the diagnostic process and helps us focus on finding solutions. That’s especially true for complex issues like PCOS.
Let’s take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of PCOS, and how they go far beyond irregular periods.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a women’s health condition that is primarily driven by hormonal imbalance. Very often, it develops when women produce too many androgens, which are the hormones most often associated with males.
While it’s normal for women to produce a certain volume of testosterone (just like men produce a volume of estrogen), it is not the dominant sex hormone in women. Excessive production can throw your system out of alignment, leading to numerous symptoms.
Every woman with PCOS has a unique experience with the condition. Because the symptoms are also common among various other women’s health issues, diagnosing PCOS can be difficult, and many women suffer for years before being properly diagnosed.
Irregular bleeding is a primary symptom of PCOS. Your periods might be heavier than normal, and they might last for more or fewer days than you’re used to. Some women go for many weeks without bleeding, then have periods that are spaced very close together for a few months.
But the symptoms of PCOS extend far beyond irregular bleeding. Some additional signs include:
This condition gets its name due to the multiple small cysts that can develop on the ovaries. It’s important to note, however, that not everyone with PCOS will develop cysts.
Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of PCOS, but there’s a strong link between being overweight or obese and developing this condition. So if you are carrying a significant amount of extra weight, finding a way to move toward a healthier weight can do wonders for relieving symptoms.
Hormonal birth control is a common treatment option for PCOS. By adding supplemental hormones to what your body is already producing, we can often achieve a better balance and reduce symptom severity. It can take a few tries to find the right birth control for you.
Some people with PCOS have trouble with insulin resistance. In those cases, insulin-sensitizing medication can help you reach the right balance and convert food into energy more efficiently.
There are also certain medications that work by blocking the effects of androgens. This can help with symptoms like acne and unusual hair growth.
When you partner with the team at Philadelphia Women’s Health & Wellness, you have access to providers who care about helping you find a path away from disruptive symptoms. We work with you to understand how PCOS is affecting both your current quality of life and your future health outcomes, and create treatment plans designed to suit your exact needs, for both today and tomorrow.
When you’re ready to learn more, booking a visit to our office is as easy as a quick call or a few moments on our online scheduling page.
