September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month.
Polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs when your ovaries produce unusually high levels of “male” hormones known as androgens, leading to an imbalance of your reproductive hormones. As a result, people with PCOS often have unpredictable ovulation and irregular menstrual cycles.
The condition gets its name from the small follicle cysts — fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs — that may be visible on an ultrasound of your ovaries, resulting from a lack of ovulation. Despite the name “polycystic,” you can have PCOS even if you don’t have ovarian cysts. If you do have cysts, they’re neither dangerous nor painful.
PCOS is a leading cause of female infertility and may increase your risk of other health conditions. Most women are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they try to get pregnant but can’t.
PCOS is a common condition, with up to 15% of women of reproductive age affected.
At Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic, with offices in Gilbert, Fountain Hills, Mesa, and Scottsdale, Arizona, our providers, Dr. Pankaj Chopra and Dr. Neha Maheshwari, along with the rest of our team, understand the difficulties PCOS can bring.
One of the most embarrassing side effects of the condition for many women is the growth of hair on the face, arms, and chest. We offer laser hair removal to help reduce your discomfort and give you the smooth-skinned appearance you need. Here’s how it works.
There are several common signs and symptoms of PCOS, but it’s possible to have the condition and not have any of them. Some women only find out they have it when they have difficulty getting pregnant.
Abnormal menstruation means having irregular cycles or not having a period at all. You may also experience heavy bleeding during periods.
Known as hirsutism, some women grow excess facial hair or develop heavy growth on their arms, chest, and abdomen. Up to 70% of women with PCOS develop this condition.
You may develop acne lesions on your back, chest, and face that last well beyond your teenage years and prove difficult to treat.
About 40%-80% of women with PCOS are obese and have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
You can develop patches of dark skin, particularly in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin, and under your breasts, a condition called acanthosis nigricans.
You may start to lose patches of hair on your head, or the hair may thin considerably.
At Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic, we can address your aesthetic needs as well as your medical ones. If you’re embarrassed by excess facial hair due to PCOS, we offer laser hair removal to address that.
We use the DiolazeXL system by InMode, considered the gold-standard laser for hair removal. The laser sends targeted energy pulses into the individual hair follicles, damaging them and preventing future growth.
DiolazeXL comes with advanced cooling technology, ensuring a comfortable experience and making it suitable for a variety of skin types. And because of its precision, you’re less likely to develop any irritation or ingrown hairs.
If you’re uncomfortable with the excess hair growth that often comes with PCOS, laser hair removal can be a game-changer, and Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic can help. Walk in, call us at any of our locations, or book an appointment online.
