These are some of the most common signs of a very common hormonal condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome or (PCOS). 10-15% of women have PCOS, with associated increase in ovarian male hormone production resulting in male pattern hair growth, acne, irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles, and difficulty in processing sugars and fat resulting in weight gain. This common condition can be recognized in women as early as teen years and lasts during the reproductive years.

The three criteria for this diagnosis are irregular menstruations, ovaries with cystic changes on ultrasound, and increased male hormones in blood. If your periods are all over the place, have thick facial and body hairs, losing scalp hair, have difficult to treat acne, and have difficulty losing weight you may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

RELATED: How Hormone Imbalance Can Affect Fertility

PCOS also results in fertility problems. Since egg production in the ovaries is very sensitive to an abnormal hormonal environment the quality and the number of eggs a women can produce suffers and makes pregnancy more difficult in women with PCOS.

PCOS if left untreated is associated with increased risk of breast and uterine cancers. Also Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may lead to a condition called metabolic syndrome where a person’s metabolism is disrupted. This results in an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. This then increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation in the office is simple requiring a good history, blood test, and an ultrasound looking at the ovaries.

RELATED: Ovarian Cysts

I have found a holistic approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to be very successful. I place my patients on a special PCOS diet, and exercise, and also emphasis mental relaxation and stress reduction. Several treatment options are useful in balancing a woman’s hormones and I like to individualize based on the severity of the condition and each patient’s goals.

The key to successful treatment is early recognition. Let us know of any questions or for a consultation appointment please call our office.

 

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Weight Gain or Weight Loss

Unexplainable weight gain or weight loss can be a result of a hormone imbalance. Since the body relies on the hormones to regulate your appetite and metabolism, a hormone imbalance will mean that you will either be eating more than you should or you will not burns the food you ate, which can translate into weight problems. There are different types of hormones that can cause weight gain or weight loss and some tend to affect specific areas of your body such as the hips, stomach or hands. Some types of hormones that may affect your weight include estrogen, insulin, Progesterone, leptin, cortisol and testosterone.

RELATED: Are you experiencing perimenopause symptoms?

Fatigue or low energy

Are you finding it tough to get out of bed? maybe you always seem to experience midday burnouts or are you just tired all the time and can’t function normally. These maybe symptoms of hormonal imbalance. Fatigue is a very common problem among elderly women but younger women in their 30’s and 40’s also experience fatigue due to hormone imbalance. Instead of drinking coffee all day in order to stay awake, contact your local doctor for an evaluation.

RELATED: 4 Common Reasons You Might Be Experiencing Irregular Periods

Low Libido

Another crucial sign of hormone imbalance in women is low libido. Low libido exists among women of all ages and very few actually do anything about it. Hormones are intimately involved with desire and satisfaction from intimacy. Some wrongly believe these changes are inevitable with age. In most cases an office evaluation and hormonal testing identify the source of the problem. Many women, even those past their childbearing years, can achieve a satisfying level of intimacy with the correct treatment.

Depending on your condition, preference, and Dr. Tahery’s advice, there are numerous hormonal treatment options to choose from. We specialize in bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are identical to the natural hormones produced by a women’s body and therefore better tolerated.

To learn about your condition and whether balancing your hormones can help you schedule a consultation with Dr Tahery at the Glendale or Santa Monica office.

The post 3 Signs You Might Have a Hormone Imbalance appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.