Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects one in 10 women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. With PCOS, the egg in the ovary may not be released as it should be, or may not develop properly, and women often experience missed or irregular periods. These missed or irregular periods may lead to cysts on the ovaries.
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:
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- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Excessive hair on the face, chin, or parts of the body where men usually have hair
- Acne on the face, chest, and upper back
- Thinning hair or hair loss
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Darkening of skin, particularly along neck creases, in the groin, and underneath breasts
- Skin tags, which are small excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
PCOS is mainly the result of a hormone imbalance, so BHRT is potentially the best treatment for managing the symptoms associated with it.
Perimenopause & Menopause
As part of the natural aging process, women will go through perimenopause followed by menopause. While most women know quite a bit about menopause, many don’t realize that significant hormonal changes begin years before you experience changes in your menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause typically begins between your 30’s and 40’s and about 8-10 years ahead of when you will enter menopause. Perimenopause is marked by a drop in estrogen, which is the main female hormone produced by the ovaries. The estrogen levels can also fluctuate up or down more than a normal 28-day cycle, which can cause irregular periods and other symptoms.
As you progress towards menopause, estrogen levels will continue to decline. The phase of menopause can last for as little as a few months and as long as four years. Although both stages are part of the same overall life transition, perimenopause and menopause have differences in terms of symptoms and treatment options. As with any abnormal symptoms, it is recommended that you see your OB-GYN.