PCOS Treatment

Dispelling Myths About PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

If you suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), your life may have been turned upside down. PCOS can cause unexplained weight gain, skipped and/or very heavy periods, and even difficulties becoming pregnant.

At its core, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal condition that occurs in women of reproductive age. The exact cause or causes of PCOS are still unknown, but it causes a cluster of life-altering symptoms that can make a woman’s life miserable.

If you are suffering from PCOS it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis and skilled medical care to avoid long-term complications. Early treatment can help prevent life threatening complications from the development of type 2 diabetes, severe liver inflammation and cardiovascular disease.

It is also important to only get your medical information about PCOS from a trusted source. But unfortunately, as with any disease, there is a lot of bad information floating around about the causes and treatments of PCOS.

In this article the caring women’s health experts at AHA in Dearborn and Lincoln Park MI dispel 5 of the most common “myths” that are widely spread about PCOS.

Myth #1: You Did Something that Caused Your PCOS

People love to assign blame! So, they may try and tell you that you did something (diet, lifestyle, weight gain) that “caused” PCOS. This could not be farther from the truth!

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. But one thing is certain, and that is you did nothing to cause it.

PCOS is a hormonal condition – and a combination of several underlying factors are believed to play a role, including genetics. If your mother and/or sister(s) have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome you are more likely to develop PCOS, too.

And clearly your “genes” are NOT your fault!

Myth #2: Losing Weight Will “Cure” PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for PCOS. However, a wide range of treatment options available at AHA Women’s Health can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term health problems.

Being overweight does not cause PCOS; it is a hereditary hormonal condition. However, it IS true that women who are overweight or obese can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight.

Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, improve the way your body uses insulin. And this can help regulates your hormone levels better and reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

Many other treatments available at AHA Women’s Health in Dearborn and Lincoln Park can help manage symptoms, too. Birth control pills can be a good treatment option if, because they can regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce androgen levels.

Myth #3: PCOS is a Rare Condition

If you suffer from PCOS you are definitely not alone – although it may seem like it at times.

It is estimated that up to 10% of American women of childbearing age have to endure PCOS. That amounts to about 5 million women – making PCOS one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age.

Sadly, according to the PCOS Foundation, less than half of all women with PCOS are actually diagnosed correctly. This means that there are millions of women with PCOS who are unaware of what is causing their symptoms.

Myth #4: You Can’t Become Pregnant if You Have PCOS

While many women with PCOS have difficulty conceiving, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome does not necessarily mean you are infertile.

Inability to ovulate is the primary fertility issue that women with PCOS face. But there are number of medications can stimulate ovulation in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, enabling them to become pregnant.

There are also other fertility treatments for women with PCOS that include assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF (in vitro fertilization).

And, while we’re on the subject, if you have PCOS – don’t assume that PCOS is a form of birth control that will keep you from getting pregnancy. While it is typically harder to get pregnant with PCOS, many women still do ovulate intermittently. Therefore, it’s important to still use contraception if you do not want to get pregnant!

Myth #5: PCOS Only Affects Overweight & Obese Women

It is true that many women who have PCOS are overweight or obese. It is also true that obesity can make a woman’s PCOS symptoms worse.

However, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can also affect women of all shapes, sizes, and body types.

This is because PCOS is not a function of weight itself but has to do with the body’s inability to use insulin properly, which can lead to weight gain.

PCOS Treatment | Dearborn & Lincoln Park

Separating fact from myth, is an important step in taking control of your Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and living a complete, and healthy life in spite of your PCOS.

The caring and experienced women’s health experts at AHA in Dearborn and Lincoln Park, MI empower their patients with accurate information, comprehensive diagnostic testing and the most advanced PCOS treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and its many symptoms.

The sooner you schedule an appointment at AHA in Dearborn and Lincoln Park, MI the sooner we can help you get your quality of life back with state-of-the-art PCOS treatments tailored just for you.

PCOS Treatment: | Dearborn & Lincoln Park, MI: 313.388.4247