Is PCOS Preventable?

While polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects more women than you might realize — one out of every 10 women of childbearing age — the sad truth is that this condition isn’t fully preventable. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, there’s a lot you can do to improve your life and support your fertility.

At Longoria OBGYN of El Paso, Texas, women’s health specialist Dr. Leonardo A. Longoria diagnoses and treats PCOS in new and existing patients. Our team has the information you need to manage your PCOS and to understand how and why this condition affects you.

Causes of PCOS

PCOS affects your hormones and metabolism. If you have PCOS, you produce more than the typical amount of male hormones, or androgens. As a result of PCOS, you might struggle with your weight, see hair growth in locations like your chin, and experience challenges becoming pregnant.

We’re still learning about the causes of PCOS. This condition appears to be genetic to some degree and typically runs in families. You’re more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS if a close female relative also has this imbalance. If you’re ethnically Mexican-American or Aboriginal Australian, or you have type 1 diabetes, your risk of PCOS also goes up.

However, PCOS appears to be triggered by some factors you may potentially be able to control. Other factors, in addition to your genetics, that make it more likely you’ll develop PCOS include obesity and using the drug valproate.

PCOS typically develops when you go through puberty and adult hormone production begins in your body. If you know you have an elevated risk for PCOS, living healthily before puberty may make a difference. A healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can also mitigate some of the symptoms of PCOS if you do develop the condition as you mature.

Adapting to your PCOS diagnosis

It’s not easy living with PCOS. Being diagnosed with this condition increases your risk of depression, as well as serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes. But, when you know the nature of the hormone imbalance affecting you, you can take steps to improve your daily life.

Managing your weight can make a big difference with your PCOS. It can also lower your risk of high cholesterol and diabetes, help rebalance your menstrual cycle, and even improve your fertility.

You can manage some aspects of PCOS with medications. Taking hormonal birth control keeps your hormones in balance, reducing your risk of acne, unwanted hair growth, and future cancers. Medication can also help address developing insulin insensitivity, keeping you from developing diabetes.

Dr. Longoria can assist you with expanding your family if you wish to become pregnant and are experiencing infertility related to PCOS. Techniques and medications can help boost your fertility or offer you alternate pathways forward.

You don’t have to cope with the complications of PCOS by yourself. When you reach out to the women’s health experts at Longoria OBGYN, you benefit from our knowledge, compassion, and experience. Schedule your initial consultation appointment for PCOS treatment and support today. Call our office or request a visit online anytime.