PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – now called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) – is a chronic condition stemming from a hormone imbalance in your ovaries. If you have symptoms of PCOS, Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care in Altamonte, Florida, can help. Kwame Ntim, MD, and the team offer expert diagnosis and treatment for PCOS to ease unpleasant symptoms and increase your fertility. To find out more, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility in women. Symptoms of PCOS include:

• Hirsutism (abnormal hair growth on your face and body)
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Hair loss or thinning hair
• Skin tags
• Dark skin in the groin and under the breasts
• Heavy periods

While many women develop cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in or on their ovaries that give PCOS its name, they're not always present.

What causes PCOS?

The reason why some women develop PCOS isn't fully understood. However, your risk of getting the condition is higher if you're obese or if other women in your family have PCOS.

Increased insulin production is usually the trigger for PCOS. It causes your ovaries to secrete too much androgen (a male sex hormone), which leads to the development of PCOS symptoms.

There's no simple lab test that can diagnose PCOS, so Dr. Ntim relies on indicators like your symptoms. He may take a blood sample to measure your hormone levels and view your ovaries using a transvaginal ultrasound.

What complications can PCOS cause?

PCOS can make it harder to conceive if you're trying for a baby. It can also lead to other health problems, such as:

• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Liver inflammation
• Depression and anxiety
• Uterine cancer
• Miscarriage
• Premature birth
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Endometrial cancer
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (severe liver inflammation)

There isn't a cure for PCOS yet, but Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care provides therapies that relieve your symptoms and improve your fertility.

What treatments can help with PCOS?

The treatment Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care recommends for your PCOS is likely to include lifestyle changes to help you reach a healthy weight. 

In addition to medical weight-loss programs tailored to your needs, the staff at Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care may prescribe medications to help regulate your hormones and ease PCOS symptoms.

Birth control pills containing estrogen and progesterone (the female sex hormones) are one option. Another is progestin therapy using an intrauterine device (IUD) that fits in your uterus and helps regulate your periods.

If you're hoping to start a family, Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care can use medications to encourage ovulation.

You don't need to put up with PCOS symptoms. Take control of your health by calling Elite Endocrine and Metabolism Care or requesting an appointment online today.