PCOS

PCOS Q&A

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common health condition that affects women during their reproductive years. Rehana Sajjad, MD, FACOG, and her expert gynecology and integrative medicine team at Womens Health Care, PC, help women of all ages manage PCOS symptoms. Women in Richmond Hill and Elmhurst, New York, benefit from a whole-person approach to diagnosing and treating this hormonal condition that causes irregular menstrual periods. If you have the signs of this disorder, call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that causes infrequent or prolonged periods. While the exact cause of PCOS isn’t clear, the disorder can lead to abnormally heavy periods but fewer than nine periods a year. Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of male hormones called androgens.

High androgen levels can cause severe acne, male-pattern baldness, and excessive facial and body hair. Additionally, your ovaries may become enlarged and function improperly. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to infertility, health complications during pregnancy, and chronic conditions such as diabetes.

What causes PCOS?

Though the exact cause of PCOS isn’t known, several contributing factors include:

• Heredity
• Higher-than-normal androgen levels
• High insulin levels
• Low-grade inflammation
• Obesity

You’re more likely to develop PCOS if you have a mother or sister with the condition. PCOS is most commonly diagnosed in your 20s and 30s but can begin anytime after puberty.

What health complications can arise from PCOS?

PCOS can lead to several health complications, including:

• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• High blood pressure during pregnancy
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Liver problems
• Depression and anxiety
• Eating disorders

In some cases, untreated PCOS can increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Can I still get pregnant with PCOS?

PCOS is one of the most common, yet highly treatable, causes of infertility. The hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS can interfere with ovulation. However, with proper treatment and hormone regulation, you may improve your chances of becoming pregnant.

While there’s no cure for PCOS, the experienced team at Womens Health Care, PC, takes a holistic approach to treat your symptoms and improve your fertility. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, weight loss, and lifestyle changes to help you ovulate more regularly. They create a personalized plan to manage your condition long term.

If you have abnormal periods or are struggling to get pregnant, it could be a sign of PCOS. Contact one of the Womens Health Care, PC, offices to schedule an appointment, or book online to receive expert diagnosis and care for your condition.