PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects many women, putting them at risk of serious health problems. Typically, women suffer from weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, infertility and other conditions as a result of PCOS. The experienced doctors and nurse practitioners at Burlington OBGYN Associates Inc. in Burlington, Massachusetts, provide effective PCOS treatment by combining medications with lifestyle modification recommendations to manage PCOS related conditions. If you suspect you have PCOS, see facial hair growth, have highly irregular periods, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call our office or use online booking to request a PCOS assessment and begin treatment to restore your health.

What is PCOS?

Women develop PCOS when their androgen levels are higher than normal. Though androgens are male hormones, the female body also produces a small amount. Women need androgens to maintain the health and function of their reproductive system, heart, bones, and muscles.

High androgen levels can affect your ovaries. As a result, your ovaries may stop releasing eggs, or they may release eggs on an irregular schedule (instead of following a regular monthly schedule). These can adversely affect your quality of life. Excess androgen also affects insulin levels, putting women with PCOS at risk of developing insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS causes one or more of the following symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual periods: As PCOS disrupts ovulation, your periods may completely stop or become very irregular. You may also have very heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Pelvic pain: Women with PCOS often have numerous ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs). As these sacs enlarge you may have pelvic pain.
• Elevated androgen levels may cause acne, skin tags, hirsutism (dark, coarse hair growth on your face, chest, abdomen, or thighs), and hair loss (on your head).

Does PCOS cause health complications?

Without treatment, the hormone changes associated with PCOS lead to serious health problems, including:

• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver

PCOS also increases your risk for endometrial cancer.

How is PCOS treated?

After completing an exam and any required tests, experts at Burlington OBGYN Associates will create an individualized treatment plan that may include lifestyle change recommendations and medication.

Lifestyle changes

PCOS can lead to weight gain, elevated blood sugar and high cholesterol. You can improve these problems by following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Your provider can help you develop a diet and exercise plan that works for your lifestyle and helps you meet your goals.

Losing weight is good for your overall health, and it also helps treat PCOS by lowering your androgen and blood sugar levels.

Medications

Our experts may prescribe one of several medications to target specific needs to treat PCOS. For example, medications are available to regulate your menstrual cycle, lower androgen production, and improve hirsutism or acne.

Don’t delay seeking help to manage your PCOS-related conditions. Call Burlington OBGYN Associates or request an appointment online today.