PCOS
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Capital Endocrine & Diabetes
Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists located in Cedar Park, TX
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause many issues like weight gain, menstruation problems, and infertility, but adrenal disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia can cause the same symptoms. At Capital Endocrine & Diabetes, in Cedar Park, Texas, dedicated endocrinologist Venkatesh Segu, MD, FACE, ECNU, and the team of specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine exactly which condition you have. Then, they help you manage symptoms and health issues effectively. Call the office today.
PCOS Q&A
What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS is a type of hormone disorder in which your ovaries and adrenal glands make excessive androgens (male hormones). That causes a variety of health problems, including infertility. PCOS frequently occurs alongside diabetes.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS causes symptoms such as:
- Infertility - inability to conceive a baby
- Irregular periods, especially sporadic periods
- Weight struggles - extra weight, difficulty losing weight
- Chronic fatigue
- Hirsutism - heavy hair growth on the chest, face, abdomen, and thighs
- Severe acne post-adolescence
- Acanthosis nigricans - thick, dark, and velvet-like patches of skin
Depending on the underlying factors involved, you may also experience other symptoms.
PCOS symptoms frequently mimic those of endocrine disorders, especially adrenal disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
What causes PCOS?
Experts believe that several factors may play a role in PCOS.
While abnormally high androgen levels play a big role, other factors such as family history, weight, and insulin resistance most likely contribute too.
When you have insulin resistance, you produce insulin, but your body doesn't use it properly. That greatly increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes, and over 50% of women who have PCOS also have Type 2 diabetes by the age of 40.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
PCOS diagnosis starts with a physical exam, symptom assessment, medical history review, and a thorough hormone evaluation, including comprehensive blood tests. These tests can distinguish PCOS from Cushing's syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other conditions.
You may need a pelvic exam to check for masses or other problems on or inside your ovaries and other reproductive organs like your uterus. In some cases, you may need a transvaginal ultrasound exam to check your ovary health.
How is PCOS treated?
Capital Endocrine & Diabetes offers symptom management and helps you to prevent further health problems.
Depending on your particular issues, you may need help with medical weight loss, hormone treatments, diabetes-specific treatments like an insulin pump, and healthy lifestyle changes. If you're struggling with infertility, the team may refer you to a specialist.
If you have symptoms like weight gain, missed periods, or infertility, it could be PCOS. Call Capital Endocrine & Diabetes.
