PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) affects roughly 6–13% of reproductive-age women, according to the World Health Organization. It is associated with a host of bothersome symptoms as well as an increased risk for infertility and diabetes.
The providers at Northwest Women's Center, a leading obstetrics and gynecology practice in Houston, TX, offer a range of PCOS treatments, customizing care to each patient to ensure optimal long-term results.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal condition that primarily affects the development and maturation of ovarian follicles.
In PCOS, many follicles begin to grow but do not fully mature or release an egg during ovulation. These underdeveloped follicles can accumulate along the outer edge of the ovary and appear as multiple small cyst-like structures on ultrasounds.
Disrupted hormone signals, including elevated androgens and insulin resistance, contribute to halted follicle growth and irregular ovulation.
Types of PCOS
There is some debate about whether there are different types of PCOS. That's because some women with PCOS experience all of the possible symptoms, while others only have one or two symptoms. It can be helpful to break PCOS patients into at least two categories:
- Metabolic group: These women have higher blood glucose and insulin levels, along with lower levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and luteinizing hormone.
- Reproductive group: These women have higher levels of sex hormone-binding globulin and luteinizing hormone, and lower body mass index, blood glucose, and insulin levels.
Causes of PCOS
The causes of PCOS aren't fully understood. However, hormones trigger various important processes in the body, including growth, energy production, and mood. Since hormones can trigger processes in other hormones, finding the exact causes of imbalances such as PCOS can be almost impossible.
That said, certain factors are thought to play a role in PCOS:
- Excess insulin: Insulin is the hormone that allows our cells to use sugar for energy. If cells become resistant to insulin, this can raise blood sugar levels, triggering additional insulin production. Excess insulin might increase androgen production.
- Heredity: Certain genes appear to be passed on, creating a tendency to develop PCOS.
- Low-grade inflammation: Women with PCOS seem to have a low-grade inflammatory state that stimulates the polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.
- Excess androgen production: In some women, the ovaries produce an abnormally high level of androgens.
PCOS Symptoms
PCOS symptoms can vary from one person to another, but most commonly they include:
- Irregular periods, including periods that occur less frequently or periods that are heavier or lighter than average
- An absence of periods (amenorrhea)
- Facial hair growth (also called hirsutism)
- Acne
- Obesity
- Infertility
Diagnosing PCOS
Diagnosis of PCOS can usually be accomplished with a physical exam and a review of the patient's medical history and symptoms. Blood tests and ultrasound exams can also be used to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other possible causes of symptoms. Early diagnosis of PCOS is important for initiating treatment as soon as possible, so more serious complications may be prevented.
Treating PCOS
Although there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be successfully managed with ongoing care and treatment. Some effective approaches include:
- Lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight, being more physically active, and eating a healthier diet.
- Medications like birth control pills or other hormonal medications to regulate ovulation so periods are more normal.
- Fertility treatments for women who want to become pregnant but are having problems conceiving.
- Surgery to remove the cysts or remove the ovaries in women who do not want to become pregnant.
Risks of Untreated PCOS
Unmanaged PCOS can cause problems during pregnancy for both you and your baby. Women with PCOS have higher rates of:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Cesarean section
Your baby also has a higher risk of being heavy and of spending more time in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Leaving PCOS untreated increases your risks for a variety of other health problems, as well. These include:
- Diabetes: More than half of women with PCOS will have diabetes or prediabetes before the age of 40.
- High blood pressure: Women with PCOS are at a greater risk of having high blood pressure.
- Unhealthy cholesterol: Women with PCOS have higher LDL (bad) cholesterol and lower HDL (good) cholesterol.
- Sleep apnea: Being overweight due to PCOS can lead to sleep apnea.
- Depression and anxiety: These are common in women with PCOS.
- Endometrial cancer: Problems with ovulation, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes (all common in women with PCOS) increase the risk of developing this form of cancer.
PCOS vs Ovarian Cysts
PCOS and ovarian cysts are related but not the same condition.
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects ovulation, hormone balance, and menstrual regularity. It may involve multiple small follicles on the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts, on the other hand, are fluid-filled sacs that can form on or inside an ovary and often develop independently of hormonal conditions. Many ovarian cysts are temporary and resolve on their own, while PCOS is a long-term condition requiring ongoing medical care.
Can Polycystic Ovaries Burst?
No. Polycystic ovary syndrome cysts are different than the kind of ovarian cysts that grow, rupture, and cause pain.
When Is It Necessary to Remove Ovarian Cysts with Surgery?
Usually, cysts are asymptomatic and resolve on their own within about 2 months. Sometimes, though, an ovarian cyst can become quite painful, or it can be an indicator of a more serious health problem. In these cases, laparoscopic surgery is used to remove the cyst. These cysts are not due to PCOS.
Here are five reasons why we could recommend removing a cyst at Northwest Women's Center:
- Extreme pain occurs in the lower abdominal area
- The cyst is unusually large (a normal cyst is usually less than 2.5 inches in diameter)
- The cyst is solid and not filled with fluid
- The cyst is suspected to be linked to ovarian cancer
- Development of the cysts is considered abnormal (for instance, pre-pubescent young girls and post-menopausal women should not develop functional ovarian cysts)
Why Choose Northwest Women's Center for PCOS Treatment in Houston, TX?
Northwest Women's Center is a leading obstetrics and gynecology practice, offering advanced care for women at every stage of life. For patients seeking PCOS treatment, the practice provides thorough evaluation, long-term management, and access to a wide range of in-office diagnostic and treatment services.
The center treats conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic pain, menopause concerns, and hormonal disorders alongside PCOS. With minimally invasive procedures, comprehensive women's health services, and a team that includes physicians and nurse practitioners — several of whom are fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — patients receive thoughtful, attentive care in a welcoming setting.
FAQs
Polycystic ovaries do not cause pain. Pain in your ovaries could be due to ovulation or a cyst not tied to PCOS. Large, painful cysts are not related to PCOS.
High blood sugar levels can lead to higher-than-normal insulin levels. This, in turn, leads to increased androgen production. To combat that, you can adopt a low-carbohydrate diet, although it is almost impossible to avoid carbohydrates completely.
If you do eat carbohydrates, choose complex carbohydrates, which are higher in fiber and are digested more slowly. This also makes them more filling, helping you manage your weight.
Examples of complex carbohydrates include:
- Whole grains
- Fiber-rich fruits such as apples, berries, and bananas
- Fiber-rich vegetables such as broccoli, leafy greens, and carrots
- Beans
Examples of simple carbs that you should eat less of include:
- Soda
- Baked treats
- Packaged cookies
- Fruit juice concentrate
- Breakfast cereal
Yes, PCOS commonly affects menstrual cycle regularity. Hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can interfere with normal ovulation, which may lead to irregular periods, missed cycles, or unpredictable bleeding patterns.
Some people experience very infrequent periods, while others may have prolonged or heavy bleeding. Because ovulation may not occur consistently, cycle length can also vary from month to month.
PCOS is generally considered a long-term condition, but its presentation and impact can change over time. Symptoms may fluctuate depending on age, hormonal shifts, lifestyle factors, and medical care. Some people notice changes during different life stages, such as after pregnancy or approaching menopause.
While PCOS does not go away entirely, many individuals manage its effects successfully with ongoing medical support and monitoring. Regular follow-up with a women's health provider helps address changing needs and reduces the likelihood of complications over time.
PCOS can affect fertility because irregular ovulation may make it more difficult to predict or achieve pregnancy. However, many people with PCOS can conceive, either naturally or with medical support. Family planning may require closer monitoring of ovulation and hormone levels, especially for those trying to become pregnant.
Early conversations with a gynecologist can help patients understand their reproductive options and the timing of their reproductive health care. With appropriate treatment, many individuals with PCOS successfully plan and grow their families.
Yes, PCOS is commonly linked to insulin resistance, which means the body may not use insulin as efficiently as it should. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes over time. Insulin resistance can also influence hormone levels, contributing to cycle irregularity and other PCOS-related concerns.
PCOS may be associated with a higher risk of certain health concerns over time, particularly when left unmanaged. These can include metabolic conditions, cardiovascular issues, and hormonal imbalances that affect overall health. Irregular periods may also increase the risk of endometrial concerns due to infrequent shedding of the uterine lining.
Because PCOS can influence multiple body systems, regular medical care plays an important role in monitoring long-term health and addressing risks early through appropriate screening and management strategies.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you're interested in learning more about PCOS treatment, please contact us for a consultation at 281.444.3440 or use the form below. We will discuss your needs and concerns and determine your best course of action.