fbpx

What is PCOS?

Lina Echavarria, MD, MPH

Prestige OB/GYN Miramar

1951 SW 172nd Ave. Ste. 405

Miramar, FL 33029

954-538-1300

 

Many women have abnormal, irregular periods. One common diagnosis is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is characterized by ovulatory dysfunction where the most common symptom is to endure months either without a period or have heavy, prolonged periods. This dysfunction can lead to infertility. Because the patient does not ovulate, fertility becomes hindered. A patient with PCOS can also present with increased levels of testosterone (hyperandrogenism) causing acne and thickened hair in areas such as the face, arms, and abdomen. One of the most common comorbidities is obesity and is seen in about 80% of the patients. Many of the patients develop insulin resistance increasing their risk of diabetes. The cause of this syndrome is unknown and the diagnosis is based on blood work and pelvic ultrasound. The blood work consists of ruling out other causes of hyperandrogenism and irregular periods such as thyroid dysfunction, androgen (testosterone) secreting tumors of the ovary or adrenal gland, primary ovarian failure among others. As far as the characteristics seen in ultrasound, we look for one or both ovaries to have 12 or more follicles measuring 2-9 mm in diameter or increased ovarian volume. It is important to remark that this syndrome can be diagnosed as early as teenage years or well in to adulthood. Treatment is based on symptoms and the most common form is combined hormonal contraception (birth control) which works by decreasing the secretion of androgens. The choice of birth control pill used depends on the symptoms being treated and patient trial for efficacy. Laser hair removal therapy is also commonly used because it directly controls hair growth. Diet and exercise also pay a pivotal role to decrease the risk of developing diabetes. Finally, it is important to see a gynecologist upon identifying the above symptoms in order to obtain a proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.

You May Also Like

Cook Together! Stay Together!

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com Why do I love teaching cooking classes? It isn’t just about the cooking. It’s about you. It’s an evolving experience between you and the ingredients, the equipment, and the interaction with your friends,

How Long Does Menopause Last?

Carolyn Zaumeyer Nurse Practitioner LowTE Florida 4540 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.791.4498 LowTEFlorida.com I am asked this all the time ~ The interesting answer is (as you probably guessed) it is different for everyone. Some women breeze through menopause without a hot flash or any of the other obvious symptoms. But for

Carolyn Zaumeyer
The Art of Entertaining

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com When I am asked the question “how do you throw a great party?” It is without hesitation I say, “pick a theme!” Hosting a gathering small or large, in your backyard, living room,

Lenore Ryan
Valentine’s Day: A Catered Affair

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14 and is considered the most romantic holiday of the year. The holiday’s roots are ancient and related to a Christian martyr, Saint Valentine of

Lenore Ryan

Other Posts

Crypto-Backed Mortgages

Randy Gilbert, J.D. Chief Happiness Officer Florida’s Title Insurance Company [email protected] (954) 500-Title (8485)  CRYPTO-BACKED MORTGAGES  In this article, I interviewed crypto-lender Milo, because it is locally headquartered in Miami, was a featured speaker at the Miami Association of Realtors’ 2022 Global Congress at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables last month, closed over $100

Randy Gilbert
For the Love of Food

Lenore Nolan-Ryan Lenore Nolan Ryan Catering & Cooking School Galt Ocean Plaza 3311 North Ocean Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.491.2340 lenorenolanryan.com Are you a Foodie? Are you an Epicurista? Are you a Culinarian? Are you a Gourmand, a Gourmet? What does it all mean? Are you one? Are you one and don’t know it?

Lenore Ryan
Collaborating for a Better South Florida

Roger Lopez Chief Operating Officer United HomeCare 305-716-0719 UnitedHomeCare.com Older adults are living longer and as the U.S. population ages, more and more people are handling long-term care planning for themselves or their loved ones. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there’s a 70 percent chance that a person retiring today

Are You Hormone Curious?

Carolyn Zaumeyer Nurse Practitioner LowTE Florida 4540 N. Federal Highway Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 954.791.4498 Would you like to learn more about hormone therapy to decide if it is right for you? Since the pandemic began, I have been providing free virtual consultations for women and men from all over the country. I have many

Carolyn Zaumeyer