Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impacts about 6-12% of women during their childbearing years. The expert medical team at Marina OB/GYN in Marina Del Rey, Hawthorne, South Gate, Long Beach, Torrance/ Gardena, Carson & East Los Angeles, CA, can diagnose and provide proper treatment for this complex condition that affects your hormone production. To learn more, call the practice today or book an appointment online.

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What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women’s hormone levels. It occurs when your ovaries produce too many male hormones called androgens. When this happens, you have irregular menstrual periods, making it difficult to get pregnant. It can also cause the development of small cysts on your ovaries.

What causes polycystic ovary syndrome?

Though research hasn’t determined the exact cause of PCOS, it has been linked to certain factors, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Being overweight
  • Insulin resistance

Any woman can develop PCOS at any age after puberty. However, most don’t realize they have it until they reach their childbearing years when trying to get pregnant.

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

PCOS can cause one, several, or many symptoms. They vary from person to person. If you have it, you might notice symptoms the first time you have a period.

Other signs include:

  • Weight gain
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
  • Acne
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Frequent headaches
  • Hair growth on your stomach, chest, back, and face
  • Thinning hair on top of your head
  • Dark patches of skin
  • Fatigue

Your symptoms can also be the cause of a different medical condition. That’s why you should see your practitioner at Marina OB/GYN for a screening as soon as you have concerning out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. They can provide an accurate diagnosis.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

Though PCOS doesn’t have a cure, treatment can decrease or eliminate its symptoms. At Marina OB/GYN, the team focuses on your primary concerns, which might include treatment for weight loss, type 2 diabetes, acne, infertility, and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) that occurs in different places all over your body.

Your practitioner can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific symptoms. They may recommend solutions like hormonal birth control, weight loss, or medication to help you ovulate.

They begin treatments with the most conservative approach to allow your body to heal itself naturally as much as possible. They also don’t want to pursue extensive medical procedures that are unnecessary when minimally invasive treatments can provide success.

If you have symptoms of PCOS, the Marina OB/GYN professionals can help. Call the administrative staff to book an appointment or use the online tool.