The ovaries are an organ that the reproductive cells known as eggs call home. When a woman has high levels of androgens or insulin, they may develop a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). And while the condition may manifest in different ways, a diagnosis is generally reached if you present with at least two of the following symptoms:
The condition also has a range of potential complications that vary in severity, including abnormal uterine bleeding, anxiety, depression, and even premature birth or cancer.
Your doctor’s recommendation of a treatment plan could depend on what PCOS-related symptoms you’re trying to curb. These medications could seek to help you ovulate, regulate your menstrual cycle, or decrease hirsutism, which is male-pattern hair growth.
Your doctor may also suggest you make lifestyle changes, such as weight loss through a low-calorie diet and moderate exercise, because even a small amount of weight loss could both improve symptoms of PCOS and make your medications more effective.
The PCOS Awareness Association says that there’s no cure for the condition yet. But the currently available diverse treatment options, paired with certain lifestyle changes, can decrease–and perhaps even eliminate–your PCOS-related symptoms.
The Ezra pelvic, torso, and full-body scans may be able to detect PCOS; you can learn more about our screening options here. Our goal is to help everyone detect cancer, as well as other actionable conditions as early as possible; because of this, we offer flexible payment options.
