Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in every 15 women. With this condition, several hormone imbalances are seen. It is one of the most common endocrine disorders.
Women with PCOS tend to produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones, such as testosterone. Other hormones that are often affected in this condition, include thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol. Not only do we see hormone levels affected in this condition, but some women may develop numerous cysts (sacs) in their ovaries. These sacs are actually follicles that contain an immature egg. However, the eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation, which is why fertility challenges are common in PCOS patients.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age (1), making it one of the most common endocrine disorders. Polycystic ovarian syndrome like many other hormone imbalances conditions is often multifaceted in origin, which is why applying principles of functional medicine can be very helpful with symptom resolution.
Women with PCOS tend to produce higher than normal amounts of male hormones, such as testosterone. Other hormones that are often affected in this condition, include thyroid hormones, estrogen, progesterone, insulin, and cortisol. Not only do we see hormone levels affected in this condition, but some women may develop numerous cysts (sacs) in their ovaries. These sacs are actually follicles that contain an immature egg. However, the eggs never mature enough to trigger ovulation, which is why fertility challenges are common in PCOS patients
Given that this condition involves several other hormones, the signs and symptoms can vary from woman to woman and can even change over the course of her reproductive years.
With that being said some of the common signs of PCOS, include:
- Irregular menstrual cycles (long or short cycle lengths)
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fertility challenges
- Excessive hair growth on the face and body
- Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- Weight Gain
- Hair thinning and hair loss
- Headaches
- Insomnia
In addition to these signs, some of the first signs of PCOS are changes to your menstrual cycle length (possibly going longer than 28 days) and acne.
Like many other conditions, the root of PCOS is multifactorial. High levels of both insulin and androgens (male hormones), genetics, and inflammation all play a role. Given that there are various contributing factors to the development of PCOS, we attack this condition from various angles. Here at Infinite Wellness, we treat PCOS with a variety of therapies along with comprehensive functional medicine lab testing.
References:
Polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome | Office on Women’s Health. (2021, February 22). Retrieved June 18, 2021, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
