PCOS

Irregular periods and excess facial or body hair growth in women could indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At SlimWell, a virtual weight-loss practice based in Richmond Heights, Ohio, serving adults living in Ohio, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, Dr. Carmen Gota, MD, offers weight-loss solutions to help you manage bothersome symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Schedule a virtual evaluation by phone or online today.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women. It is characterized by an excess production of male hormones called androgens. Patients can have fluid-filled sacs on the outer edge of the ovaries that can be seen by ultrasound. Early diagnosis and PCOS treatment, including weight loss, can reduce your risk of PCOS-related complications like heart disease and diabetes.

Which symptoms can PCOS cause?

PCOS can cause the following symptoms:

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Irregular periods occurring at longer than 35-day intervals 
• Fewer than nine periods per year
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Excess body or facial hair growth 
• Acne
• Male-pattern baldness in women

PCOS can cause larger-than-usual ovaries and infertility due to the ovaries not functioning the way they’re designed to. 

What can increase my risk of PCOS?

Common risk factors for PCOS include:

• Insulin resistance
• Overweight
• Obesity
• Genetics 
• Low-grade inflammation 
• Excess androgen production

However, the exact cause of PCOS isn’t clear. When not addressed, PCOS complications might include infertility, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, miscarriages, or premature birth. 

Untreated PCOS can increase the risk of liver inflammation, fatty liver, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, endometrial cancer, depression, and anxiety.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

PCOS is diagnosed after discussing your medical history and symptoms, completing a physical exam (including a pelvic exam), and ordering blood tests that assess hormone levels. You may also need an ultrasound. 

Dr. Gota completes a PCOS evaluation that also includes blood work and offers virtual weight-loss programs that help you achieve an ideal body weight, thereby reducing the risk of PCOS or its troublesome symptoms. 

 How is PCOS treated?

Treating PCOS includes making healthy lifestyle changes, weight loss, improving nutrition and exercise habits, and taking medications. You might also take dietary supplements, including meal replacements. It is important to limit carbohydrates, particularly refined carbohydrates and added sugars. 

Dr. Gota works closely with you to customize a plan that helps you better manage hormone levels and improve your quality of life. She follows up with you routinely to ensure success and is always available to address questions or concerns. 

Schedule a telehealth PCOS evaluation at SlimWell by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.