Learn how PCOS affects your health
Do you have symptoms of PCOS? One condition our doctors commonly work with is PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, which can throw off your hormonal balance and impact your well-being. Our San Antonio OBGYNs work with each patient to learn how PCOS affects their health.
Dealing with PCOS affects
PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and can mess with how your ovaries function, impacting your reproductive health. Many women with PCOS have higher levels of androgens (those are male hormones) that can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle. This condition usually shows up around puberty, but symptoms often don’t make an appearance until you start trying to conceive.
Does PCOS affect fertility?
To get pregnant, your ovaries need to release an egg that can meet sperm in the fallopian tubes. Because PCOS can disrupt this process, many women find it challenging to conceive. If you’re struggling to get pregnant, our San Antonio team can run some tests to see if PCOS is at play. And if you do conceive? Women with PCOS might face a higher risk of complications like gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
Spotting the signs of PCOS
Not everyone with PCOS experiences symptoms, but one telltale sign is irregular periods. If you find yourself having super long, missed, or infrequent cycles, that could be a clue. Other signs to look out for include:
- Extra hair on your face and/or body
- Breakouts or acne
- Unexplained weight gain, particularly around your belly
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Pelvic pain
- Cysts on your ovaries that show up in an ultrasound
- Dark patches of skin
What about treatment?
Before jumping into any treatment, our doctors will chat with you about your health goals. You can take different paths depending on whether you’re trying to conceive or trying to manage symptoms. Simple lifestyle changes and certain medications can really help improve your quality of life. If you’re focused on getting pregnant, we might recommend ovulation-induction meds or even IVF.
Taking charge of your health is super important! Our San Antonio women’s clinic is ready to be your go-to partner in care. Feel free to reach out to us to set up an appointment for PCOS testing. We’re here for you!