Want to Lose Weight? -Recognizing the Signs and Getting the Right Support | uxa2.com

PCOS: Recognizing the signs and getting the right support

September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects around one in ten women of reproductive age. Despite how common it is, many women live with PCOS symptoms for years before being diagnosed. Because symptoms can look different from person to person, PCOS is often unrecognized or misunderstood.

If you’ve been struggling with irregular periods, acne, unwanted hair growth, or difficulty managing your weight, you may have wondered: Could this be PCOS? Understanding the signs and what to expect from testing can help you take the first step toward answers and relief.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects the function of your ovaries. In PCOS, the ovaries can produce higher levels of male hormones (androgens), which can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, or thinning hair. Some women with PCOS also develop multiple small follicles (often called “cysts”) on their ovaries, but not all PCOS patients have cysts—and not all cysts mean you have PCOS.

PCOS is not just a reproductive disorder. It can also affect your metabolism and increase your risk of long-term health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Common signs and symptoms of PCOS

One of the most confusing aspects of PCOS is that symptoms can vary greatly. Some women notice only a few subtle changes, while others may experience several symptoms at once. Common signs include:

• Irregular or missed periods: Cycles that are more than 35 days apart, cannot be predicted, or are absent for several months.
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism): Dark, coarse hair on the face, chest, back, or abdomen caused by higher androgen levels.
• Acne and oily skin: Persistent acne, especially on the chin or jaw area, that does not clear up with typical treatments.
• Thinning hair or hair loss: While hair may grow in unwanted places, you may also notice thinning of your scalp.
• weight gain or difficulty losing weight: Often associated with insulin resistance, which is common in PCOS.
• Fertility challenges: Irregular ovulation can make it difficult to get pregnant. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility.
• Skin changes: Darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans) on the neck, armpits or groin and sometimes small patches of skin.

If you see yourself with several of these symptoms, it may be time to schedule a conversation with a healthcare provider.

How PCOS is diagnosed

There is no single test for PCOS. Instead, your provider will look at a combination of factors, which may include:

• Medical history and physical exam: Your provider will ask about your periods, weight changes, family history, and symptoms such as acne or excessive hair growth.
• Blood tests: These check hormone levels and help rule out other causes of irregular cycles, such as thyroid or prolactin problems. Blood tests can also assess insulin resistance or cholesterol problems.
• Pelvic ultrasound: A transvaginal ultrasound can show if you have multiple follicles or other changes in your ovaries.

Most providers follow the Rotterdam criteria: two of three factors—irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, or polycystic ovaries—can lead to a diagnosis.

Managing PCOS: What’s Next?

“While there is no single ‘cure’ for PCOS, the good news is that symptoms can be effectively managed with the right treatment plan,” explains Dr. Kelsi Drummond, MD. Treatment is tailored to your needs and health goals, such as:

• Regulatory periods: Birth control pills, progesterone, or other medications can help make your cycle more predictable.
• Healing skin and hair problems: Treatments may include topical or oral medications to treat acne, hair growth, or thinning hair.
• Supporting weight and metabolism: Lifestyle changes, insulin-sensitizing drugs, and nutritional support can help with weight control and reduce long-term health risks.
• Fertility planning: If your goal is pregnancy, your provider may recommend medications to stimulate ovulation or refer you to a fertility specialist.

It is also important to address the emotional side of PCOS. Struggling with symptoms like weight changes or acne can take a toll on self-esteem. Many women find relief and empowerment by working with a provider who listens and creates a plan that fits their life.

You are not alone

If you suspect you have PCOS, know that you are not alone. “Millions of women are living with this condition – and with the right support, you can feel better and protect your health in the long term,” says Kelsi Drummond, MD.

At Women’s Health Associates of Kansas City, we’re here to help you find answers and build a treatment plan that supports your whole health, not just your symptoms. Whether your goal is to regulate your cycle, improve your skin, manage your weight or start a family, our team is with you every step of the way.

To schedule an appointment or speak with an experienced provider, please call us at 913-677-3113. With two convenient locations in Overland Park and Leawood, Women’s Health Associates is your trusted partner in comprehensive women’s health care in the Kansas City area.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ask for personal guidance from a healthcare professional.