PCOS - Renew Hormone Clinic

What is PCOS?

PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Some key facts about PCOS:

• It affects 5-10% of women worldwide and is the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age.
• The name comes from the ovarian cysts that form when eggs are not regularly released from the ovaries. However, cysts are not required for a PCOS diagnosis.
• Symptoms include irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, difficulty getting pregnant, weight gain, and possibly mood changes. However, symptoms vary dramatically among individuals. Some women have mild symptoms while others are severely affected.

So what causes PCOS? It's due to an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Common findings include:

• High androgen levels: Androgens are "male" hormones present in both men and women. In PCOS, the ovaries produce more androgens than normal.
• Insulin resistance: Up to 80% of women with PCOS have some degree of insulin resistance, making it difficult for their bodies to respond to insulin and regulate blood sugar properly. This results in elevated insulin levels which stimulate increased androgen production.

Treatment depends on the woman's symptoms and goals. For fertility issues, medications to induce ovulation may be used. Medications and lifestyle changes like weight loss, healthy diet, and exercise can also help regulate menstrual cycles and mitigate other PCOS symptoms. Renew Hormone Clinic has extensive experience successfully treating many women with PCOS using evidence-based natural hormones and tailored lifestyle recommendations.

To recap, PCOS stems from hormonal imbalances that manifest through symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, and excess hair growth. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many women find great relief for their PCOS symptoms over time. Reach out to our caring doctors at Renew Hormone Clinic for personalized care.