Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Obesity Videos
Overview
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgens, ovarian cysts, and insulin resistance. PCOS is strongly linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome, and it increases the risk of infertility, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular complications.
Causes
Causes include genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances, chronic inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. Obesity worsens hormonal abnormalities and increases androgen production.
Risk Factors
Risk factors include obesity, family history of PCOS, insulin resistance, early puberty, sedentary lifestyle, and metabolic syndrome.
How PCOS Affects the Body
PCOS disrupts ovulation, increases androgen levels, and alters insulin signaling. This leads to irregular periods, infertility, acne, hair growth, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Complications
Complications include infertility, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, endometrial hyperplasia, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Symptoms & Signs
Symptoms include irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, hair thinning, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, fatigue, and ovarian cysts on ultrasound.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the Rotterdam criteria: irregular ovulation, elevated androgens (clinical or lab), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Additional evaluation includes metabolic labs, thyroid testing, and glucose tolerance testing.
Differential Diagnosis
Includes thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing’s syndrome, and androgen‑secreting tumors.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle strategies include weight loss, reduced sugar intake, increased physical activity, improved sleep, and stress management. Even modest weight loss improves ovulation and metabolic health.
Treatment Options
Treatment includes hormonal therapy (birth control pills), metformin, GLP‑1 medications, anti‑androgen therapy, fertility treatments, and bariatric surgery for patients with obesity and metabolic complications.
When to See Doctor
Seek evaluation if you have irregular periods, symptoms of high androgens, difficulty losing weight, or signs of insulin resistance.
When to Seek Treatment
Treatment is recommended when symptoms affect fertility, metabolic health, or quality of life, or when obesity contributes to worsening hormonal imbalance.
Long-Term Outlook
Long‑term management focuses on weight control, metabolic monitoring, hormonal balance, and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Prognosis
With proper treatment, symptoms improve significantly, fertility may be restored, and long‑term metabolic risks decrease.
Why Choose Dr. de la Cruz‑Muñoz
Dr. Nestor de la Cruz‑Muñoz offers comprehensive metabolic and obesity‑related care, including advanced medical and surgical treatments that improve insulin resistance, restore hormonal balance, and reduce long‑term PCOS complications.
