Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in Leesburg

Midatlantic OBGYN

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Centreville, VA & Leesburg, VA

Many women who develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) do not notice their symptoms, as the most notable impact is imbalanced hormone levels. However, as the condition develops more severe and apparent side effects, such as ovarian cysts, could occur. Symptoms of this syndrome include natural body changes such as acne, weight gain, and heavy bleeding during periods. As a result, two-thirds of women are unaware of their PCOS syndrome.

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but several treatment options are available for managing the condition and its side effects. Typically, your PCOS management begins with diet and exercise, followed by more drastic actions if necessary. If you show symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in Leesburg and are curious about treatment options, reach out to schedule a symptom assessment.


What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a medical condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels by producing excessive male hormones, such as testosterone. Typically, this condition affects women between the ages of 15 and 44, and many patients go undiagnosed. In addition to influencing hormone levels, PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries and natural ovulation by creating immature eggs within the ovaries.

Since the eggs are immature, they do not trigger the body to start ovulation, which creates further imbalances within a woman’s body. In addition, women with this condition more commonly experience skipped or irregular periods and ovarian cysts.

Women in Leesburg and Centreville with polycystic ovary syndrome often struggle with infertility and metabolic conditions that result in many PCOS patients being overweight. Due to this, these women are also at higher risks for strokes, diabetes, and heart disease. Further, this condition can cause depression, sleep apnea, and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Causes and Symptoms of PCOS

Many factors influence whether a woman may develop PCOS, but the syndrome’s exact cause is unknown. In addition to higher levels of male hormones preventing ovulation, PCOS has been shown to run in families. Further, insulin resistance and increased levels of inflammation within the body, commonly found with overweight individuals, increase the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome.

This condition produces various side effects that impact the body in different ways and commonly remain unnoticed. For example, typical PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, headaches, acne, heavy periods, and hair growth. Additional symptoms of PCOS include the formation of darker skin patches and male pattern baldness. These side effects could be easily mistaken for natural body changes, leaving many women in Leesburg and Centreville with PCOS unaware of the syndrome.

Treatment Options for PCOS Patients in Leesburg

The beginning of PCOS treatment in Leesburg typically begins with lifestyle and diet changes to promote weight loss. Research has shown that women who exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week have improved insulin and ovulation levels while losing weight and relieving PCOS symptoms. Further, diets low in carbohydrates are ideal for women whose PCOS syndromes affect their insulin levels.

In addition to lifestyle changes, polycystic ovary syndrome can be manageable with hormonal birth control methods, hair removal medications, and fertility drugs. However, in severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary if all other treatment options are unsuccessful. With surgical treatment, ovarian drilling uses a precise laser to create tiny holes in the ovaries, restoring regular ovulation.

Learn More About PCOS Treatments in Leesburg

Those seeking treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome in Leesburg have a broad spectrum of non-surgical options for managing this condition and its side effects.

For example, prescription medicines and exercise could significantly reduce the effects of PCOS on your body. However, surgical correction is available if other treatment options do not improve your condition. Reach out to schedule a PCOS consultation if you show any additional symptoms and are curious about treatment options.