PCOS Awareness Month

  

PCOS Awareness Month – What you need to know

PCOS Awareness Month – What you need to knowIf you’re having trouble conceiving, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be the cause. This common hormonal disorder affects women of reproductive age. With PCOS, your ovaries may develop multiple follicles that don’t release eggs regularly. Your ovaries can also develop cysts, which are small collections of fluid.

While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, excess insulin, low-grade inflammation and your genes may contribute to this condition. September is PCOS Awareness Month, which is the perfect time for our Newport Beach fertility doctor to review the signs and symptoms of PCOS.

PCOS awareness – What to look for

Our Newport Beach fertility doctor Robert Anderson MD treats PCOS and many other reproductive and endocrine disorders. If you have two or more of these symptoms, and are having trouble conceiving, you may have PCOS.

  • Irregular periods, including frequently missed periods, heavy periods or a total lack of menstruation
  • High levels of androgen, a male hormone
  • Ovarian cysts

Other symptoms of PCOS may include severe acne, patches of thickened and dark skin, oily skin, problems with weight gain and pelvic pain. You may have never realized these symptoms could be related, but don’t despair. While PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, it can be treated with diet, exercise and medication. Many women with PCOS can become pregnant and deliver healthy babies.

PCOS complications 

PCOS affects more than just a woman’s ability to conceive. PCOS can also cause other complications, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure during pregnancy, premature birth and even miscarriage. PCOS can also contribute to sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

PCOS awareness is the first step. If you think you have PCOS or want to learn more about how it may be affecting your reproductive or general health, contact our Newport Beach fertility doctor.

Female Infertility Southern California Center for Reproductive Medicine

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