Have you noticed a change in your menstruation cycle, such as missed or irregular periods? Do you feel that you are suddenly gaining belly weight without drastically changing your diet or lifestyle? Are you getting frustrated constantly removing excess unwanted hair from your face, stomach, and chest while simultaneously experiencing thinning scalp hair? Are you looking for answers to why you are struggling with infertility in addition to all of the above?
You may have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). At Kota Metabolic Institute, we are here to help you thrive again.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a cardiometabolic condition in females in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens (male sex hormones). These excess androgens (testosterone) have rippling effects on the entire body, such as metabolism, and reproductive function, and even manifest externally on the skin. Many women with PCOS also have insulin resistance; which is when the body doesn’t respond to insulin as it should, leading to weight gain.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular periods/abnormal menstruation
- Mid-section weight gain
- Acne
- Obesity
- Abnormal hair growth
- Male-pattern baldness/thinning of hair
- Darkening of the skin
- Skin tags
- Infertility
- Cysts
- Unexplained sudden weight gain
- Problems with sleep
Many women have PCOS but remain undiagnosed because PCOS shares many symptoms with other co-morbid conditions. In addition, symptoms vary significantly in severity from woman to woman. Some estimates say up to 21% of the US female population lives with PCOS.
The cause of PCOS is still being investigated. However, there does seem to be a genetic component to the condition. For example, women with mothers or sisters with PCOS are much more likely to have the condition or experience symptoms of PCOS.
How is PCOS treated and managed?
At Kota Metabolic Institute, Dr. Kota utilizes an individualized, evidence-based, patient-centered approach to treating and managing PCOS. With a focus on the joint benefit of lifestyle modification and pharmacological intervention, women are able to see and feel significant improvements in their overall health and well-being.
- Lifestyle Modifications
Making critical changes in your diet and implementing the right kind of exercise to enhance metabolic functioning can drastically improve the symptoms of PCOS while addressing underlying problems such as insulin resistance. It is imperative to only make these significant changes under the supervision and guidance of a physician, especially one with trained experience in nutrition, metabolic, and hormone management. - Pharmaceuticals
At Kota Metabolic Institute, we understand that medications are not always the sole answer to complex chronic conditions such as PCOS. In conjunction with lifestyle interventions, pharmaceuticals play an important role in restoring and balancing hormonal disruption and optimizing the metabolic needs to treat PCOS. Examples of pharmaceuticals to treat PCOS include hormonal management and dietary supplements. PCOS ultimately causes an imbalance in the hormones. Medications that work to restore the balance of these hormones can be an effective treatment for the condition.
Have more questions about our PCOS treatment? Contact our office to see if you would benefit from our unique program.