Category: PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that affects women’s hormone levels and their ovaries. PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. It causes irregular or absent menstrual periods, excess hair growth on the face and body, acne, and weight gain. PCOS can also lead to problems getting pregnant.
The cause of PCOS is unknown, but it may be related to insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use sugar for energy. Women with PCOS may have too much insulin in their blood, which can cause their ovaries to produce too much testosterone.
PCOS can affect any woman of childbearing age but is most common in women who are overweight or have a family history of the disorder. There is no cure for PCOS, but treatments are available to help regulate hormone levels, restore normal menstrual periods, and improve fertility. These treatments include lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, medications such as birth control pills and diabetes medications, and surgery.