If you suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, did you know that bariatric surgery can help alleviate your symptoms? For many women who have PCOS, it can have a devastating impact on their quality of life with debilitating symptoms and even cause fertility issues. Weight loss surgery may be the answer to provide the relief you need.
What is PCOS?
PCOS occurs in around 4% to 8% of American women and 10% across the globe. Classified as an endocrine disorder, it’s the most common cause of infertility in women ages 20 to 35. It causes a hormonal imbalance that happens during your reproductive years with an excess amount of the hormone androgen in your body. If you have PCOS, your periods may last many days, or you may not have them often enough.
With PCOS, many small sacs of fluid develop along the outer edge of the ovary called ovarian cysts. The cysts contain immature eggs called follicles, which fail to release eggs regularly.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may lower the risk of long-term complications such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
PCOS Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Androgen hormone excess
- Body hair
- Facial hair
- Infertility or fertility issues
- Irregular periods or increased time between cycles
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovaries, or ovarian cysts
- Severe acne
To diagnose PCOS, your doctor will talk through your medical history and perform several tests to diagnose you quickly and accurately to get a full picture. Here are some tests your doctor may run to help understand if you have PCOS:
- Blood tests for androgen levels
- Pelvic exam
- Ultrasound to look for ovarian cysts and uterine thickness
If you’re suffering from the above symptoms and know you have PCOS, or if you receive a diagnosis, wouldn’t it be nice to find relief? Keep reading.
Obesity and PCOS
Obesity is often a comorbid condition in women with PCOS due to insulin resistance, which manifests itself differently around the body. While insulin resistance shows up as diabetes when it affects the pancreas, or fatty liver disease when it affects the liver, when it affects the ovaries, patients develop PCOS. Some women develop PCOS at a young age, resulting in obesity later in life.
Studies show that just a 5 to 10% loss of body weight in obese PCOS patients can correct their symptoms. Bariatric surgery makes that a reachable goal.
How Weight Loss Surgery Alleviates PCOS
How does weight loss help improve PCOS symptoms? When you lose weight, insulin resistance decreases — improving your symptoms all at once. Imagine what that can do for your whole health, including your fertility.
In one study, along with the weight loss itself, bariatric surgery reduced:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Ovarian size (PCOS enlarges the ovaries)
- Weight and body mass index (BMI)
To know there is a treatment option that can give you a new lease on life, for PCOS and the impact of insulin resistance and obesity on your whole health, provides you all the hope you need to take the next step toward a brand new you. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way on your weight loss journey.
Visit www.adventhealthweightloss.com and make the decision to end your PCOS symptoms.
