Reveal The Truth About PCOS and Get Your Life Back!
Your doctor told you the labs were good and was gone in 5 mins, right? So why do you still have all the symptoms of PCOS? Let’s Talk About PCOS: Understanding the Signs, Symptoms, and How to Take Charge of your health and get those symptoms under control.
I’m Mark Abbott, MSN, FNP, CRNP, and I specialize in treating PCOS. Today, I am goin to dive into this complex hormonal metabolic syndrome that affects millions of women worldwide. In my opinion, every woman has PCOS until proven otherwise!
PCOS isn’t just one thing. It’s a collection of symptoms that can vary greatly from woman to woman. Skinny, fat, black or white, and everyone in between. That’s why it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience with PCOS is unique.
One common thread is insulin resistance. When your body struggles to use insulin effectively, it can lead to a hormonal imbalance which cause those pesky symptoms you may be experiencing.
Here are some of the telltale signs:
- Period Problems: Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or even skipped periods.
- Acne Struggles: Stubborn acne that just won’t budge.
- Unwanted Hair Growth: This can appear on your face, chest, or back.
- Skin Changes: Darkening of the skin on your neck, armpits, or under your breasts.
- Weight Woes: PCOS can make it harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
More importantly, PCOS can also affect your mood, sleep, and increase your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Often times you may have only one or two of these ongoing issues, but not enough of an issue to get the diagnosis.
Who gets PCOS? It’s more common than you might think, affecting around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Genetics and family history can play a role, but the exact cause is still being researched.
If you suspect PCOS, lets have a chat! You probably found this page when searching for laser hair removal or acne treatment, which I can definitely help with, but that is just the start of a very long journey. Correct diagnosis and management are key in controlling this. This can include exams, blood tests, and sometimes ultrasounds to diagnose PCOS and create a personalized treatment plan.
Remember, there are several treatment options and I’ve got you covered! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some common strategies:
- Lifestyle Changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are crucial.
- Medications: Birth control pills can regulate periods and help with acne. Other medications might target insulin resistance or excess androgen levels.
- Weight Management: Even modest weight loss can significantly improve PCOS symptoms. Heres the deal, if you are serious a low carb or keto eating style is crucial to buring off excess fat which will reduce insulin resistance component.
As a healthcare professional, I may also recommend:
- Laser Hair Removal: This can be an effective option for managing unwanted hair growth.
- Acne Treatments: Aeroalse Neoclear or BBL Forever clear laser treatments, medical grade skin care like ZO Skn or Skn Better, Topical medications, oral medications, and other strategies can help combat stubborn acne.
PCOS is a journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. By understanding the underlying factors and working with your doctor, you can develop a management plan that empowers you to take control of your health and live a fulfilling life.
Here are some resources to learn more:
- The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
- The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20353446
Remember, I’m here to help! Lets get your skin and hair under control and work towards improving your life. If you have any questions or concerns about PCOS, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or a qualified healthcare professional.
Mark Abbott, MSN, FNP, CRNP
Mark Abbott is the founder of Bolus Medical Spa in Elkridge, Maryland, an expert injector and laser specialist specializing in aesthetic and laser medicine. Mark cares deeply about his patients and takes tremendous pride in his work and family. As a board‑certified nurse practitioner, Mark has dedicated his life to healthcare and has more than 25 years of combined healthcare experience including emergency medicine, urgent care, family medicine, and aesthetic medicine.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified medical professional to determine what is best for you.