PCOS - Renew Medical HRT Clinic

What is PCOS?

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects women. About 1 in 10 women have PCOS, making it one of the most common causes of infertility and menstrual problems in women of reproductive age.

Some key facts about PCOS:

• Main features include irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and polycystic ovaries (ovaries with many small cysts)
• Common symptoms are irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and problems getting pregnant
• Caused by high levels of androgens (male hormones). The exact cause is unknown but genetics plays a role
• Associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and endometrial cancer if left untreated

Diagnosing PCOS

PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following criteria are met:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all
• High levels of androgens (male hormones), detected with blood tests or symptoms like excess facial/body hair
• Ultrasound showing polycystic ovaries

There are no definitive tests for PCOS - it's a diagnosis that requires putting together symptoms, physical exam findings, blood tests, and ultrasound results. The earlier PCOS is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin to manage symptoms.

If you suspect you may have PCOS, make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get evaluated. Experts like those at Renew Medical HRT Clinic specialize in PCOS and other hormonal disorders. Their compassionate care and state-of-the-art treatments can help manage PCOS.

Treating PCOS

While there’s no cure for PCOS, various treatment options can help manage symptoms:

• Birth control pills - Helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduces risk of endometrial cancer
• Anti-androgens - Counteracts high androgen levels, improves acne/excess hair growth
• Metformin - Improves insulin sensitivity, helpful for regulating periods and fertility
• Lifestyle changes - Diet, exercise and weight loss important first line treatment

Treatment is tailored to the patient’s goals - whether that’s regulating cycles, improving PCOS symptoms like acne/hair growth, or boosting fertility. Combining medications and lifestyle changes is most effective.

The earlier PCOS treatment starts, the more success in managing this condition long-term and preventing complications like diabetes and heart disease. If you’re struggling with bothersome PCOS symptoms, the knowledgeable practitioners at Renew Medical HRT Clinic can provide compassionate, evidence-based care.

Living with PCOS

PCOS is a lifelong condition. Making sustainable lifestyle changes is crucial: following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep. With no cure available, consistency with treatment and self-care is key to keeping PCOS symptoms under control.

Many women feel frustrated, confused or alone after a PCOS diagnosis. But there is hope - PCOS is manageable with the right treatment plan. Connecting with the PCOS community and finding an empathetic medical team you trust makes a big difference. Centers like Renew Medical HRT Clinic provide individualized PCOS treatment plans to help women take charge of their health.

So in summary, PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting up to 10% of women. Its main features are irregular periods, excess male hormones, and polycystic ovaries. While there's no cure, symptoms can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and finding the right healthcare team. With consistency and self-compassion, women can thrive with PCOS.