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All About Women

A patient-centered practice for all stages of a woman's life

Gainesville, FL (352) 331-3332
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111

Lake City, FL (386) 754-1744
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102

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Blog / Women's Health Awareness / What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

October 17, 2020 By Liliana Zapien

common symptoms and treatments for pcos

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infertility in women.

According to the U.S. Department of Health, about 10 percent of women in the U.S. have PCOS. PCOS is primarily caused by a hormonal imbalance, even though from the name it might seem that it’s caused by cysts in your ovaries.

Instead, the reproductive hormones are responsible for problems in your ovaries. Mainly, the unbalanced hormones either keep the egg that the ovaries produce from developing correctly or from dropping during ovulation. Either way, it leads to irregular periods and problems getting pregnant.

If you have more questions about PCOS, we encourage you to talk to your gynecologist about your symptoms.

What causes PCOS?

The cause of PCOS is actually largely unknown.

Doctors know that more women who are overweight develop PCOS, but that’s not to say that women who are thin don’t get it. PCOS also seems to be genetic, so if your mom or sister has it, your chances go up.

The most important thing is to watch for signs and symptoms of PCOS so that you can catch it early and begin treatment.

What are the common symptoms of PCOS?

Most women start seeing symptoms of PCOS when they’re in their 20s and 30s, but it can start as early as puberty. Usually, it comes to light when women try to have children and can’t get pregnant. If you have more than 1 common symptom of PCOS, you should talk to your gynecologist right away.

Here are the most common symptoms of PCOS:

  • Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles
  • Excessive weight gain
  • Acne
  • Hair in unwanted places
  • Mood changes
  • Dark skin spots or skin tags
 

How do I know if I have PCOS?

Even though PCOS is pretty common, many women don’t even know they have it.

One thing that makes it difficult to diagnose is that there’s no test to confirm or deny that you have PCOS. However, there are a few different ways a gynecologist could determine if you might have PCOS:

  • Blood test. A blood test can be done to check your hormone levels. OB/GYNs look particularly for the level of androgen hormone in your body. This “male hormone” is usually elevated in women with PCOS. This hormone causes some of the symptoms like acne and hair growth on your chin, back and/or chest.
  • Pelvic exam. Your gynecologist can do a pelvic exam to feel for enlarged ovaries, which is common in women with PCOS.
  • An ultrasound of your ovaries can be done to check for cysts and your uterus to check the endometrium (uterine lining).

How is PCOS treated?

Treatment for PCOS depends a lot on what stage of life you’re in. If you’re trying to get pregnant, then your doctor may recommend certain fertility treatments. If you’re worried more about other health issues that can surface as a result of having PCOS, then your doctor may recommend medication (i.e. hormonal birth control) and ways to lose excess weight.

You cannot cure PCOS with any medication or treatment, but you can manage symptoms and help to balance out hormones that are too low or too high.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of PCOS or are worried about developing PCOS, make an appointment with one of our compassionate and caring gynecologists at All About Women today.

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Filed Under: Women's Health Awareness Tagged With: hormones, women’s health

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Being a patient-centered practice goes well beyond seeing patients in our office. We want to help you find important answers before you even step in the door. Our OB/GYN blog helps us accomplish this goal but more importantly, helps women like you better understand your unique health needs. Browse around and learn more about pregnancy, general women’s health, exciting new research and more!

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All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Gainesville

Gainesville
6440 W Newberry Rd, Ste 111
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 331-3332


All About Women Obstetrics and Gynecology – Lake Cit

Lake City
4447 NW American Ln, Ste 102
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 754-1744


 

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Gainesville and Lake City OB/GYN Care
OB/GYN doctors at All About Women, Obstetrics & Gynecology offer personalized, technologically advanced obstetrics and gynecology services from Board Certified OB/GYB physicians. Besides expert women's healthcare, permanent birth control and prenatal care, OB/GYN doctors also offers advanced hysterectomy surgery in and around the Gainesville area.


Women's Health Care in Alachua & Columbia Counties
With offices in Gainesville and Lake City, Florida, All About Women, M.D. provides expert OB/GYN services covering the entire range of women's healthcare needs. Our OB/GYN physicians and nurse midwives provide expert care during pregnancy as well as state of the art in-office treatments for gynecologic disorders including Novasure endometrial ablation to treat/stop heavy menstrual bleeding.


Personalized & Expert Prenatal Care
Gainesville obstetricians at All About Women, M.D. help ensure pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible by offering the best prenatal care available. And for those having difficulty getting pregnant, AAW obstetricians and gynecologists offer couples the best infertility help and treatment available.


Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery: daVinci Surgical System
Clinic founder Dr. Anthony Agrios, Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist also specializes in the daVinci Robotic surgery system, a minimally invasive option commonly used for a hysterectomy and other procedures. Instead of creating several small incisions like traditional surgical methods, OB/GYN surgeons simply open one incision with the daVinci system to complete the procedure. Not only do patients experience less pain and blood loss, they recover and get back to normal much faster.


Pregnancy & Prenatal Care: Creative Pregnancy Announcement : Fruits for Pregnant Women

OB/GYN Tips: Choosing an OB/GYN : Robotic Hysterectomy

Infertility & Reproduction Health: Infertility Treatment : Permanent Birth Control

Women's Health: Preventive Care : Well Women Care : Mammogram Screenings : Abnormal Periods

Gainesville Maternity Care

 

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