How Your Gynecologist Might Help You Manage Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition that has a variety of symptoms including infertility. There isn't a single blood test to confirm you have this hormonal imbalance. Instead, your gynecologist can review your history of symptoms, do a pelvic exam, and run blood tests to rule out other diseases and arrive at a diagnosis.

Treatments for this condition often involve managing the symptoms that bother you most. Here are some treatments for PCOS your gynecologist might recommend.

Weight Loss To Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Obesity is associated with PCOS, and the more overweight you are, the worse your symptoms may be. However, you don't necessarily have to reach your ideal weight to benefit from weight loss. Losing a small percentage of your weight can help with some symptoms associated with PCOS such as high blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Facial Hair Medications For Unwanted Hair Growth

One of the symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome is unwanted hair growth. This happens because of a hormonal imbalance. You might need medication to help correct the imbalance and reduce hair growth on your face.

In addition, you might experience hair loss on your head, so your gynecologist has to balance your medications while considering the effects and side effects each medication may have.

Medications that lower androgen are often given for unwanted hair growth, but these can't be taken if you want to get pregnant. Birth control pills are often given for unwanted hair growth too, but these also aren't prescribed if you're trying to conceive.

Infertility Treatments To Help You Ovulate

PCOS is often diagnosed when you notice you can't get pregnant. The hormonal imbalance often causes infertility and problems with your period. Your gynecologist will work closely with you if your goal is to get pregnant so you have increased odds of conceiving. This might include taking fertility medications that help you ovulate.

Disease Management For Related Conditions

PCOS is linked to a number of diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver, and heart disease. Your gynecologist may work with you to manage these diseases or refer you to another doctor who can provide treatments such as medications for insulin resistance, weight loss for fatty liver, and lifestyle changes that help you prevent cardiovascular diseases.

PCOS may be a lifelong condition that you can keep partially controlled by using birth control pills. However, your risk of developing heart disease and insulin resistance may increase as you age, so you'll want to be aware of your condition and monitor your health so you can avoid serious complications of PCOS if possible.


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