PCOS: Understanding the Most Common Cause of Irregular Periods

When there’s a noticeable change in your monthly period, it can raise alarm bells about your health. If you’re missing periods or have difficulties getting pregnant because of an inconsistent menstrual cycle, it may be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

September is PCOS Awareness Month and our team at Raveco Medical would like to highlight important facts about the condition so you can recognize its warning signs early.

Our experienced OB/GYNs offer comprehensive health exams, bloodwork, and other testing services in-office to diagnose PCOS accurately. We also design personalized treatment plans to prevent PCOS-related complications like heavy bleeding, hair loss, and infertility.

The link between PCOS and irregular periods

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects women during their childbearing years. The condition can change your ovulation cycle and prevent the release of eggs for fertilization. These ovulation changes can lead to sporadic periods, missed periods, bleeding between periods, and heavy flow during monthly menstrual cycles.

Women with PCOS typically have high levels of androgens, a male hormone that regulates hair growth. Too many androgens can cause an increase in hair growth on the face and body and contribute to hair loss and male-pattern baldness.

The imbalance in hormones can also trigger the growth of cysts on a woman’s ovaries. Cysts can grow large enough to cause discomfort and also play a role in difficulties in conceiving or maintaining a healthy pregnancy.

Additionally, those who have PCOS may also be at special risk for other chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure (hypertension), and the growth of cancer cells in the uterine lining (endometrial cancer).

What to expect during your PCOS diagnostic evaluation

Accurately diagnosing PCOS involves a thorough review of your personal and family medical histories. We ask questions about your most recent periods and can discuss any challenges you’re facing with infertility.

Our Raveco Medical team also completes a pelvic exam to check for ovarian cysts and orders blood work to assess your reproductive hormone levels.

We customize a care plan to treat the PCOS symptoms that interfere with your health or quality of life. Our team can also provide resources to address infertility if you’re ready to start or expand your family.

Treatment options to manage PCOS

While there’s no cure for PCOS, our goal is to help you find the treatments that make the condition manageable.

Initially, our physicians may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to help you lose any weight you’ve gained due to imbalanced hormones. We can also suggest hair removal products or electrolysis to remove unwanted face or body hair.

Low-dose birth control pills can be an effective treatment to regulate your periods and lower your risk for cancer. If you’re planning a pregnancy, other medications can stabilize your ovulation cycle.

Our team continues to monitor your progress with treatment and make adjustments as needed. We can also screen for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions linked to PCOS or refer you to a specialist for additional care.

Call our Raveco Medical office in Woodside or Forest Hills, NY, today to schedule a PCOS consultation. You can also book an appointment using our online feature.