For StettlerLocal.com by Alberta Health Services
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition that is caused by a hormonal imbalance. Hormones control the activity of different cells and organs in your body. With PCOS, the hormone imbalance can affect your period and your overall health. It causes the ovaries to produce higher levels of the hormone testosterone. With PCOS, your ovaries may also develop enlarged, fluid-filled follicles that are often referred to as cysts.
Because of the extra testosterone, people with PCOS may have:
missed periods, irregular periods, and very light periods (including spotting)
extra hair on the face or body
thinning hair on the head
severe acne
difficulty managing weight
difficulty getting pregnant
darkening of skin on the neck, armpits, or groin area
If you notice sudden, unusual hair growth on your face or body or new wide purple stretch marks on your body, contact your healthcare provider right away.
You may also have symptoms of:
sleep apnea
fatigue
anxiety, depression, and mood changes
high blood pressure, high blood glucose, and high blood lipids (your healthcare team can test for these things)
People living with PCOS may be at an increased risk of sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications, and endometrial hyperplasia.
Visit Your Healthcare Provider
It’s important to consult your healthcare provider about PCOS. Write down how you feel, your
symptoms, when your symptoms started, what makes your symptoms better or worse, and any concerns you have. Make a list of questions and concerns. During your appointment, your healthcare provider may ask you several questions about your health history and your family’s health history.
They may ask about your:
menstrual cycle
past pregnancies or attempts to get pregnant
unwanted hair growth
symptoms
weight management
medicines and supplements
ethnicity
These questions help your healthcare provider diagnose PCOS and know how to best support you and your overall health.
Your healthcare provider will also check your height, weight, and blood pressure. Because PCOS can increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease, knowing your current height, weight, and blood pressure will help your healthcare team manage these risk factors and also manage your PCOS symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may also do an exam to check for signs of high testosterone levels, insulin resistance, and other conditions. This exam includes:
Looking for skin tags and dark, thick, velvety skin in your body folds and creases.
Looking for extra hair in different parts of your body, especially on your face and chin.
You may want to delay shaving, plucking, or doing any hair removal before your appointment.
Looking for wide purple stretch marks in your belly area and other parts of your body.
Work with your healthcare team to decide what is best for you as you manage your PCOS and find resources and services in your community:
211 Alberta helps people in Alberta find the right resource or service for whatever issue they need help with. 211 is available any time, day or night, by phone (call 211), text, and online chat. It is confidential and available in over 170 languages over the phone.
The Alberta Healthy Living Program has workshops, classes, and services to improve your health and quality of life.
The Alberta Health Services Chronic Disease Management program has links and resources to help people living with chronic conditions.
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