PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that often causes irregular and heavy periods. Left untreated, it can lead to fertility problems. In fact, PCOS is a common but treatable cause of infertility that affects 10% of women of childbearing age.

If you have symptoms of PCOS, effective treatments are available. At Dekalb Women's Specialists, we specialize in diagnosing and treating PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that may lead to infertility in women. If you have PCOS, it means a large number of small, fluid-filled cysts have developed on or inside either of your ovaries. Because of a problem with your hormones, an egg may not develop properly within the ovary, or it may not be released during ovulation as it’s supposed to.

The reason why this happens isn’t completely clear, but you may be at risk of developing PCOS if you are obese or have a family member with PCOS.

Signs of PCOS

Common signs of PCOS include:

  • An irregular menstrual cycle, with fewer than eight periods in a year or more frequent periods than usual
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Hirsutism, a condition that produces excess facial hair
  • Acne
  • Weight gain
  • Thinning hair or hair loss
  • Skin tags
  • Darkened areas of skin around the groin and underneath the breasts

Potential Complications

PCOS may make it difficult for you to become pregnant, since your ovaries may not release an egg each month. Untreated PCOS can also lead to other health complications, such as:

  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Diabetes
  • Liver inflammation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Uterine cancer
  • Miscarriage
  • Premature birth

Treatment Options for PCOS

While there is no cure for PCOS, after you have been properly diagnosed, our providers can prescribe a treatment plan that will help relieve your symptoms and regulate your menstrual cycle.

Treatments for PCOS depend on any underlying causes and your overall health. Your treatment plan may include lifestyle changes, like losing weight or modifying your diet and exercise plan. Medications such as birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin may also help regulate your hormones and ease symptoms.

Other treatment options include progestin therapy from an intrauterine device (IUD) that delivers the hormone and helps regulate your menstrual cycle. Progestin may also help protect you against endometrial cancer.

Additional medications may facilitate ovulation to increase your chances of becoming pregnant while easing the symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS Treatment in Decatur, Stonecrest & Stone Mountain, GA

Learn more about relief from PCOS by calling Dekalb Women’s Specialists at (404) 508-2000 to schedule an evaluation. You can also request your appointment now.

With three convenient locations in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain, we look forward to serving all your OB-GYN needs.