PCOS: Signs of the Problem & How to Deal with Symptoms

woman with hot water bottle on sofa suffering from uterus cramps with polycystic ovary syndrome

Many women quietly suffer from a female condition known as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal issue that causes an abnormal collection of fluid in the ovaries, sporadic or non-existent egg release, and irregular menstrual bleeding or cycles. Dealing with this condition can be a challenge, but the first step to learning how to cope is proper diagnosis. 

Common Signs of PCOS

The signs and symptoms that any one woman experiences can be different from the next, which makes PCOS a little difficult to diagnose in some cases. Most of the time, a female will start to have some symptoms that something is wrong around the time she first begins her menstrual cycle as an adolescent. However, the condition can also show up later in life. The three primary signs a doctor will use to make a diagnosis of PCOS include:

  • Excess androgen hormones in the system, which can cause excessive hair growth or acne
  • Irregular periods, sometimes going more than 35 days without having a period
  • Polycystic ovaries that often fail to function properly 

Dealing with the Symptoms

Dealing with the symptoms can be a challenge. Not only can you be dealing with unreasonably painful periods or prolonged bleeding, but some women also report having problems with mood swings, severe PMS symptoms, and depression. Left untreated, PCOS can cause issues with fertility and elevate risks of liver disease and type 2 diabetes. While there is no cure for the condition, your gynecologist can help by offering progestin therapy to stabilize hormones, birth control to normalize periods, and various other treatments to target the specific problems you are experiencing. 

Even though living with PCOS can be hard, your gynecologist can help you come up with a plan of treatment. Reach out to Avant Gynecology for an appointment to discuss any symptoms you have been experiencing. 

Avant Gynecology serves patients at two locations: Piedmont Hospital in Buckhead and Northside Hospital. Our mission at Avant Gynecology is to provide exceptional, compassionate care to women at every stage of their lives. Our providers strive to be at the forefront of knowledge and skill in the fields of women’s health and gynecologic surgery, so our patients can get the best care possible. Avant provides state-of-the-art surgery services and comprehensive gynecologic care, such as annual exams, diagnostic and screening tests; a full range of contraceptive options; specialized services such as bio-identical hormone therapy, hormone pellets, ThermiVa vaginal rejuvenation, and more.