PCOS Affects More Women Than You Might Think: Is There a Cure?

Polycystic ovary syndrome — or PCOS, for short — is a leading cause of infertility across the country and affects as much as 12% of women of reproductive age. Even so, it doesn’t get as much attention as you might expect. 

This condition stems from a hormone imbalance. The symptoms resulting from this imbalance are wide-ranging, from irregular menstrual cycles to weight gain. PCOS can also contribute to diabetes and other health issues. 

That’s why Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, offers dedicated PCOS care here at Fort Wayne Endocrinology. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for this condition. However, several effective treatment options can help to manage PCOS and mitigate the symptoms it causes. 

Understanding PCOS

The name PCOS suggests that the root of this condition lies with cysts on your ovaries. While PCOS does cause cysts, it stems from a hormone problem. You get diagnosed with this condition when your body makes too many male hormones called androgens. 

Excess androgen contributes to the cysts that characterize this condition, but PCOS’s impacts don’t stop there. It also causes:

• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Acne
• Excess body and facial hair
• Infertility
• Male-pattern baldness
• Patches of dark skin
• Skin tags
• Weight gain

On top of all of this, high androgen levels in women contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that your body uses to convert blood sugar into fuel for your cells. When it doesn’t work the way it should, your risk for diabetes goes up. 

Treating PCOS

Today, researchers haven’t found a cure for PCOS. They have uncovered some ways to manage the excess androgen and the symptoms it causes, though. 

At Fort Wayne Endocrinology, Dr. Kadambi works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. For most women, that means a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medication. 

Targeted medications can improve the balance of the hormone levels in your body, which can be particularly helpful if you’re trying to have a baby. With treatment, it’s possible to get pregnant with PCOS. 

Wraparound lifestyle changes can help you further reduce the impact of your PCOS symptoms. Losing weight can alleviate PCOS symptoms. Diet changes and physical activity can also make a difference. You might benefit from an option like the medically-backed weight loss program Dr. Kadambi offers. 

While there’s no cure for PCOS, there are options that can help you. To explore different treatments that can balance your hormone levels and offset the worst symptoms of PCOS, book a visit online or call our office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today.