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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition affecting women of reproductive age. It can impact menstrual cycles, metabolism, fertility, and overall wellness.

At Wellness Path 4u, we help women manage PCOS through personalized hormone-balancing strategies and lifestyle support to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS can present differently in each woman, but common symptoms include:

  • Irregular or missed menstrual cycles

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

  • Acne or oily skin

  • Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

  • Thinning hair on the scalp

  • Fatigue or low energy

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

  • Mood changes or anxiety

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is not fully understood, but several hormonal and metabolic factors are known to contribute. These underlying issues can disrupt normal ovarian function, leading to irregular ovulation and symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth. Key contributing causes include:

  • Insulin Resistance: One of the most common drivers of PCOS. When the body becomes less responsive to insulin, the ovaries may produce more androgens (male hormones), leading to irregular cycles and difficulty losing weight.

  • Hormonal Imbalances: Elevated levels of androgens, estrogen, and luteinizing hormone (LH) can interfere with normal ovulation and menstrual patterns.

  • Genetics: PCOS often runs in families. Women with mothers, sisters, or relatives who have PCOS are more likely to develop the condition.

  • Chronic Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation can stimulate the ovaries to overproduce androgens, contributing to symptoms such as acne and weight gain.

  • Lifestyle and Environmental Factors: Stress, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, and certain environmental exposures may worsen metabolic and hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS.

While PCOS can be complex, understanding its root causes allows for targeted, effective treatment strategies tailored to each woman’s unique hormone profile.

How PCOS Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) involves a combination of reviewing symptoms, medical history, physical exams, and specific tests. Because PCOS presents differently in each woman, healthcare providers use established criteria to make an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Criteria

Most clinicians use the Rotterdam Criteria, which require two of the following three:

  1. Irregular or absent ovulation

  2. Elevated androgen levels (symptoms or blood tests)

1. Medical History Review

Your provider will ask about:

  • Menstrual cycle patterns (irregular, heavy, or absent periods)

  • Symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, scalp hair thinning, or weight changes

  • Fertility concerns

Family history of PCOS, diabetes, or hormonal disorders

2. Physical Examination

A physical exam may assess:

  • Signs of excess androgens (facial/body hair, acne)

  • Skin changes such as darkened patches (acanthosis nigricans)

Blood pressure, weight, and body mass index (BMI)

3. Blood Tests

Blood work helps assess hormone levels and rule out other medical conditions. Your provider may test for:

  • Androgens (testosterone, DHEA-S)

  • FSH and LH (to evaluate ovulation)

  • Thyroid function

  • Prolactin levels

  • Glucose and insulin levels

  • Lipid profile

These tests help identify hormonal imbalances commonly associated with PCOS.

4. Pelvic Ultrasound

An ultrasound may be performed to:

  • Examine the ovaries for multiple small follicles

  • Evaluate ovarian size

  • Assess endometrial thickness

It’s important to know that you can be diagnosed with PCOS even without cysts on the ovaries, as not all individuals exhibit this feature.

Our Approach to PCOS Care

At Wellness Path 4u, we focus on identifying root causes and improving hormonal balance through:

  • Hormone evaluation and personalized support

  • Metabolic and thyroid function assessment

  • Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations

  • Weight management strategies

  • Natural and medical treatment options to regulate cycles and reduce symptoms

Our goal is to help you restore balance, improve menstrual regularity, and support healthy fertility and metabolism.

Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

Take the Next Step

If you're experiencing symptoms of PCOS or have been diagnosed and want a personalized care plan, we're here to help. Book a consultation with Wellness Path 4u to start your path to hormonal balance and better health.

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