Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. Symptoms may be more severe if you are obese or overweight.

A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least 2 of these signs:

1. Irregular periods or anovulatory ovulation cycles:

   1. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, your cycles may be as long 35 days (length of time between periods), fewer than 9 periods/year, and abnormally heavy periods. 
       

2. Excess androgen levels:

   1. Elevated androgen levels may result in acne, hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), and male pattern baldness. Some women also notice a deepening of their voice. 
       

3. Polycystic ovaries:

   1. A pelvic ultrasound may reveal that your ovaries are enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. This can result in decreased ovarian function which may contribute to hormone imbalance and fertility problems.
       

4. Other symptoms that you may note if you have PCOS:

   1. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight (although you can also be normal or underweight female and still have PCOS)

   2. Gut issues

   3. Metabolic issues which may include elevated insulin, acanthosis nigricans (discoloration of the skin most commonly in axillae, neck region)

   4. Depression or anxiety 

   5. Suboptimal thyroid function 

   6. Fatty liver

   7. Can cause a predisposition to diabetes and heart disease

PCOS is often diagnosed based on the woman’s health history, symptoms, and menstrual cycles.
 

Your nurse practitioner at Nature Doctors and Hormones and Health will complete a comprehensive health history and physical exam (depends on virtual vs in clinic exam), looking for the signs/symptoms above. Along with blood pressure and weight, labs will also be ordered.
 

Lab tests may include blood sugar, insulin, thyroid and hormone panel.
 

Pelvic ultrasound may be ordered to look for cysts on your ovaries.

Treatment is based on individual findings and are discussed with you to come up with a comprehensive and personal plan based on your needs and goals.
 

This will include a review of the benefits of regular exercise, healthy diet, and weight management.
 

Supplements and prescription medications may also be part of your treatment plan.
 

The following medications may be reviewed and prescribed based on your personalized assessment:

1. Metformin

2. Spironolactone

3. Thyroid support

4. Birth control 

5. BHRT such as progesterone

6. If overweight- may also consider Health Canada approved meds for obesity such as Contrave or Saxenda