The Link Between Hormonal Imbalance and PCOS (and What You Can Do About It)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting 7–10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, but many don’t know they have it, and there's no single test to diagnose it.

At Balance Hormone Center, our team focuses on improving PCOS symptoms through personalized care and natural treatment methods. We take a holistic look at your health and symptoms to develop an effective treatment plan to improve your quality of life.

What is PCOS?

PCOS occurs when your ovaries produce high levels of androgens (male hormones). This endocrine condition causes an imbalance of reproductive hormones, and it’s one of the most common causes of infertility in women. 

A woman can develop PCOS at any time after puberty. You’re more likely to receive a PCOS diagnosis in your 20s or 30s if you’re trying to get pregnant. PCOS also increases your risk for other health conditions. 

What causes PCOS?

There is no known cause for PCOS, although research suggests that it might be genetic. The following factors may also contribute to PCOS:

• High androgen (male hormone) levels
• Insulin resistance
• Chronic inflammation

If you’re overweight or if others in your family have PCOS, you might also have a higher chance of having it. 

Symptoms of PCOS

The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods
• Abnormal hair growth
• Excess facial hair 
• Thinning hair
• Acne
• Obesity
• Skin darkening
• Skin tags
• Ovarian cysts
• Infertility

Although many women with PCOS have ovarian cysts, they’re unnecessary for a diagnosis. You might have only mild symptoms or none at all. Many women don’t recognize signs of PCOS until they experience difficulties losing weight or getting pregnant.

What you can do about PCOS symptoms

While you can’t prevent PCOS, there are many ways we at Balance Hormone Center help you deal with the uncomfortable symptoms of this disorder.

There’s no known way to stop PCOS, but you can take simple measures to lessen your symptoms. You can prevent the effects of PCOS, for instance, by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising frequently, and eating a balanced diet.

Often, medical providers use oral contraceptives to treat PCOS because the pills control menstrual cycles and help lower testosterone levels. But many women dislike the side effects.

Our compassionate team of experts begins by determining the severity of your PCOS. Then, we create a treatment plan to address imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Your customized treatment plan may include a combination of IV therapy, weight loss goals, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

At Balance Hormone Center, we help women in Norman, Oklahoma, combat the effects of hormone imbalances. We quickly uncover the underlying causes of discomfort to reduce symptoms and help you feel your best. Book your appointment online or by calling us today.