PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) affects up to 1 in 10 people of reproductive age. If you have irregular periods, trouble ovulating, stubborn weight gain, or excess facial/body hair, PCOS could be the cause. The good news: you can manage most symptoms with everyday steps plus targeted medical care.
Diagnosis is usually a mix of your medical history, a pelvic ultrasound, and blood tests. Doctors check hormone levels (testosterone, LH/FSH), and screen for insulin resistance with fasting glucose or HbA1c. An ultrasound may show enlarged ovaries with small follicles, but not always. If your periods are irregular or you’ve missed ovulation for several months, bring that up—your cycle pattern is a key clue.
PCOS raises long-term risks like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and thickening of the uterine lining if periods stay absent. Regular checkups for blood sugar, lipids, and blood pressure make sense once you get a diagnosis.
Start with lifestyle changes. Losing 5–10% of body weight often improves periods and insulin sensitivity and can restore ovulation. Focus on a balanced diet (lower simple carbs, more fiber and protein) and aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
Medications vary by the problem you're treating. For irregular bleeding and acne, combined birth control pills (like ethinyl estradiol combos) or a progestin course (such as medroxyprogesterone) can regulate cycles and reduce androgen symptoms. For insulin resistance, doctors often try metformin. If fertility is your goal, ovulation drugs such as letrozole are commonly used — but that should be managed by a specialist.
Supplements some people find helpful include myo‑inositol, vitamin D if you’re low, and omega‑3s. These can support insulin and metabolic health, but talk with your clinician before starting anything new. If excess hair or severe acne bothers you, dermatology and hair-removal options (laser, electrolysis) are available.
Keep a symptom log: track periods, weight changes, skin or hair shifts, and mood. That record makes visits with your doctor much more useful and helps guide treatment choices.
Want practical next steps? Get basic blood tests (fasting glucose/HbA1c, lipids, testosterone), ask about a pelvic ultrasound if your cycles are irregular, and discuss a personalized plan that combines lifestyle, medicine, and fertility options if needed. Explore trusted articles on contraceptives, metformin, and fertility treatments to compare options and prepare questions for your clinician.
If a single change hasn’t helped, don’t give up—PCOS is very individual, and the right mix of diet, exercise, medicine, and specialist care usually makes a real difference.
Posted by Ian Skaife with 12 comment(s)
Apr
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