Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine problem experienced by women of reproductive age in the United States. It’s estimated that over 5% of women in the country experience this condition.
Gynecologist John A. Whitfield, MD of Fort Worth, Texas, diagnoses and treats PCOS, depending on your plans for future pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about this hormonal condition.
A hormonal imbalance resulting from an overproduction problem with the ovaries. Androgens, a type of predominantly male hormone that’s found in smaller quantities in women, cause problems when they change the overall balance of reproductive hormones.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
If you are obese, you’re at greater risk of PCOS.
Treating PCOS depends on several factors, including your future plans to have children.
For some, the best and least invasive way to treat PCOS is through lifestyle changes. Primarily, weight loss is a significant factor for many individuals with the condition. Even a 5% reduction in body weight lowers the impact of PCOS on your body, and it may also help drug treatments work more effectively.
Aiding weight loss by improving the quality of your diet, reducing processed foods, unhealthy fats, sugar, and red meats, is an excellent and sustainable approach. Add a baseline of healthy activity, and you have a potentially winning combination.
Most experts recommend 30 minutes of moderate, low-impact activities, five times a week, as a minimum level to sustain general health. Add walking, biking, swimming, or similar methods to boost your fitness.
The approach to drug therapy depends on the nature of your symptoms. Dr. Whitfield can prescribe options to:
It’s essential to manage PCOS effectively to minimize potential complications. These may include:
Contact John A. Whitfield, MD, and his team at our Fort Worth office. Call 817-927-2229 to book your appointment today.
