Is Your Period Delayed Every Month? You Might Have PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition among women of childbearing years, affecting about 1 in 10, or about 10 million women worldwide. Hormonal imbalance is the main culprit of this syndrome, but environmental and genetics can also play a role.

A common symptom of PCOS is missed or irregular periods. While some women may relish the idea of not getting their period every month, they won’t like the symptoms. PCOS can lead to pelvic pain, headaches, and infertility. So if you suspect you have PCOS, you should see your OB/GYN.

While there is no cure for PCOS, there are many treatments to help you minimize or eliminate the symptoms.

What is PCOS and what causes it?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. But some factors that are thought to contribute or play a role in the condition are an excess of androgen, a male hormone, and excess insulin, which can lead to excess androgen.

When your body has too much androgen, it can affect your regular monthly cycle. This hormonal imbalance prevents the egg from developing or releasing properly.  As a result, women with PCOS often miss their periods or have delayed or irregular periods.

PCOS can affect all women, usually between the ages of 15 and 44, but women who are obese and women who have a close relative with PCOS are at higher risk for developing this syndrome.

In addition to missed or delayed periods, other common symptoms include:

• Acne
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Skin tags
• Skin discoloration
• An increase in facial and body hair, also called hirsutism
• Sleep issues
• Infertility

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility. About 70-80% of women with PCOS experience fertility issues. Fortunately, it’s also very treatable.

PCOS diagnosis and treatment

There is no single blood test or other types of tests that provide a positive diagnosis for PCOS. Instead, the providers at Park Avenue Women’s Center conduct a series of tests to rule out other conditions and identify markers for PCOS. These tests can include:

• A physical exam
• A pelvic exam
• A pelvic ultrasound
• Blood tests to check your hormone levels and maybe cholesterol levels

If other conditions have been ruled out and you have at least two of the following symptoms, your provider will discuss PCOS treatment options with you:

• Irregular periods
• High levels of androgen, as noted in blood tests or by symptoms such as excessive hair growth or acne
• Small fluid-filled sacs, or follicles, on one or both ovaries

Treatment options can include lifestyle changes, medications, or both. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, watching your diet, and exercising more regularly. Medication options include anti-androgen medicines, hormonal birth control pills, or a hormonal birth control device such as an IUD.

For women who want to get pregnant, birth control pills are obviously not an option. Treatment options for women with PCOS who want to have a baby, include:

• Clomid, a medicine that helps you ovulate
• In vitro fertilization
• Surgery to help restore ovulation

For more information about diagnosis and treatment of PCOS, call us at Park Avenue Women’s Center, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the Yorkville neighborhood. You can also book an appointment online through this website.