Getting a diagnosis of PCOS can be scary, and at first you can feel helpless. As someone who deals with PCOS myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be! But the good news is there is hope, and plenty of ways to manage the condition. Here’s an intro to what PCOS is, and how it can be treated.

What is PCOS?

PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome. It’s a hormonal disorder that primarily affects the ovaries, which affects the menstrual cycle and fertility, as well as resistance to insulin. Women with PCOS produce excessive amounts of testosterone, which affects the menstrual cycle. There’s no one cause, but it does tend to run in families–so if you have it, chances are other women in your family have probably had it as well.

Common symptoms and characteristics of PCOS are (not an exhaustive list):

• irregular periods: not having your period for months at a time, or an unpredictable cycle, or heavy/painful periods
• hirsutism: excess hair on parts of the body such as the chin
• severe acne
• thinning hair or hair loss, similar to male-pattern baldness
• difficulty losing weight, particularly in the abdominal area

Of course, symptoms vary from woman to woman, so consulting your doctor (likely gynecologist) is key. They may have you consult further with specialists such as an endocrinologist, dermatologist, and/or nutritionist.

How is PCOS Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS. But the good news is that there are many ways it can be treated. They include (again, consult your doctor):

• medications: birth control, spironolactone, metformin (to regulate hormones/insulin)
• changes in diet: low-carb, supplements, teas, etc.
• lifestyle: exercise, sleep

This is just a quick intro to PCOS. But in my future posts, I will be diving more into detail on specific aspects of PCOS, its characteristics, and treatment possibilities. But for now, you can learn more:

Take my quiz: Do I Have PCOS?

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Healthline summary

Mayo Clinic summary

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and do not claim to offer medical advice in these posts. These are meant to be informational only. Please consult further with your doctor for specific advice and treatment plans.

Photo byJamie Street from Unsplash