What Every Women Needs To Know About PCOS

Posted by Dr. Della Parker     on June 4, 2018

This hormonal disorder is one of the most common reasons women pursue fertility treatments. But in the age of misinformation, it can be remarkably easy to confuse symptoms. PCOS occurs when a woman has a lot of resting follicles but doesn’t actually ovulate. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have 10 to 20 on both ovaries—20 to 40 or more than women without PCOS.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is very common, but not easily diagnosed. Patients must have two out of three symptoms: irregular menstrual cycles from irregular ovulation, excess androgen activity, and polycystic ovaries. Often, an information gap occurs as women may speak to several different specialists about these issues. For instance, you’d talk to your dermatologist about your acne, but you likely wouldn’t think to talk to your gynecologist about it.

According to the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG), the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known, and birth control pills often mask the most common warning sign, irregular periods.

PCOS is also a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, though weight has no bearing on a woman’s diagnosis.

Talk to your primary care doctor if you suspect PCOS is responsible for your symptoms.

Dr. Della Parker treats all types of conditions, but has a special interest in digestive problems, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid dysfunction. This year, make your health a priority. Learn about our Integrative Nutrition Counseling, Nutrition Response Testing, Injection Therapies, and other services. Contact Dr. Della Parker and Integrative nutritionist Amy Hardesty for an evaluation today or call 503-344-6631.

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