What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a condition which arises when a woman’s hormones are out of balance, particularly estrogen and testosterone. It usually takes the form of too little estrogen and too much testosterone.
It is a condition which, if left untreated, can develop into serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Most women with PCOS have many, tiny benign cysts which grow on the ovaries and result in hormone imbalances. This is the reason why the condition is known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Early diagnosis and treatment will help control the symptoms, and lower the risk of long-term health problems.
Although the actual cause of PCOS is yet to be determined, it is generally believed that there could be a link to genetics. The risk appears to be higher if other women in your family have had the same condition.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms at first tend to be mild, and quite often the underlying problem is not noticed. You may have all, or some, of the following symptoms:
- The most common symptom is irregular periods. Some women may have only 8 or 9 periods per year, and menstruation may vary from very light to extremely heavy.
- Skin breakouts, similar to acne.
- Sudden, unexplained weight gain, and trouble losing weight.
- Unusual bouts of depression which might come and go.
- Thinning hair on the scalp.
- Many women who have PCOS have fertility problems and have great difficulty falling pregnant.
- Enlarged, painful ovaries which are covered in a myriad of tiny cysts.
- Excess body hair, as well as excess facial hair, which is distressing for women.
How will a diagnosis of PCOS be made?
Your doctor will review your symptoms and probably do tests to exclude any other possible conditions. A physical and pelvic examination will also be done to look for signs of swollen ovaries which may signify PCOS.
Blood screening tests to determine hormone levels would normally also be ordered.
How can PCOS be treated?
There are some things which can help reduce the symptoms, such as a healthy eating plan which includes plenty of veggies, nuts, and legumes, and limits foods that are high in saturated fats.
Weight loss, if you are overweight, is also high on the list and can help regulate your menstrual cycle.
However, because PCOS is mainly the result of an imbalance between the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone, restoring and correcting the hormonal imbalance is potentially the best treatment for success.
Hormone replacement therapy.
Mass produced, synthetically manufactured hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, have a long list of potential side effects, mainly because they bear no resemblance to the hormones made naturally in the body.
With Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) the hormones are an exact molecular replica of the hormones made in your body. They are manufactured from plant extracts, and studies have shown that they are less likely to have any distressing side effects. The dosage can also be tailored to suit the exact dosage you need.
Live well because you can.
To find out more about Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy, contact us at www.renewmetoday.com to take the Hormone Health Test, and to find out the location of your nearest Renew office.
References.
Webmd.com. Mayo Clinic, Healthline.com.
