PCOS Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a widely prevalent endocrine condition that affects women during their reproductive years.
This condition is marked by hormonal imbalances and metabolic disturbances, which can result in numerous health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles and fertility difficulties. This guide will explore the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by some disturbance in female hormones, leading to issues like irregular or missing periods, excess male hormones causing signs like increased facial hair, and the development of small cysts in the ovaries.
Women with PCOS may experience:
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Challenges with conceiving.
- Excessive facial and body hair growth.
- Skin acne
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair on the scalp.
Causes
The exact reason for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
- Genetics
- Insulin Resistance
Diagnosis
Diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) starts with a detailed medical history and a
comprehensive physical and pelvic examination. These initial steps help evaluate the patient’s condition and identify underlying causes.
Women with PCOS might experience fewer than eight menstrual cycles annually or may have no menstrual periods at all.
High levels of male hormones can result in physical symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, and male-pattern hair loss on the scalp.
Diagnosing PCOS often involves a hormonal evaluation through blood tests, which measure the levels of different hormones to provide crucial information for confirming or excluding the condition.
To comprehensively assess the patient’s overall health status and potential PCOS-related complications, further evaluations like a glucose tolerance test and blood cholesterol analysis may be necessary.
An ultrasound may reveal numerous small cysts on the ovaries, a critical diagnostic criterion.
Healthcare providers often confirm a PCOS diagnosis by combining medical history, physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.
How is PCOS Treated?
PCOS treatment is tailored to individual needs based on age, symptoms, overall health, and personal objectives. Treatment can address specific issues like infertility, acne, or obesity and may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
1- Lifestyle Changes
Adopting a healthy eating regimen and incorporating consistent physical exercise can facilitate weight reduction and enhanced blood sugar control.
This lifestyle change can decrease insulin and testosterone levels, improve symptoms, and aid infertility treatment.
2- Medications maybe used for different indications such as:
Birth Control Pills: These regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen production, and lower the risk of abnormal bleeding and excessive hair growth.
Progestin Therapy: This helps control periods and protects against abnormal endometrial thickening.
Diabetes Medications: Diabetes Medications treat insulin resistance, potentially aiding in more frequent ovulation and reducing androgen levels and hair development.
Fertility Therapy: For those with infertility issues, ovulation-inducing drugs like clomiphene citrate (an oral anti-estrogen) may be prescribed.
If clomiphene alone is ineffective, metformin may be added to help induce ovulation. Gonadotropins (FSH and LH) can be administered by injection for patients not responding to clomiphene and metformin.
3- Surgery
For patients not responding to medications like ovulation induction, surgical options like laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be recommended. Although not as much as was used in the past.
PCOS treatment is multifaceted and focuses on the patient’s unique symptoms and concerns. Effective management of PCOS is achievable by combining lifestyle modifications, medications, and possibly surgery.
Seek Expert PCOS Treatment in Abu Dhabi with Dr Salem El Shawarby
If you’re looking for effective PCOS treatment in Abu Dhabi, consult Dr Salem El Shawarby, a distinguished Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Consultant Dr Salem El Shawarby is dedicated to accurately diagnosing and managing PCOS, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Why Choose Dr Salem El Shawarby?
Personalised Treatment Plans: Dr Salem crafts personalised infertility treatment strategies optimised for your unique requirements, thereby enhancing your prospects of success.
Extensive Experience: With 30 years of experience in reproductive medicine, Dr. Salem El Shawarby is a highly skilled expert committed to helping his patients.
Book an appointment with Dr Salem El Shawarby today to receive expert care and find relief from PCOS. Take charge of your fertility and overall health with the support of a leading Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Consultant.
