Polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS, is an endocrine system disorder that affects up to 20% of women in their reproductive years. Patients with PCOS grow a number of small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries.
What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Associated Pain?
Causes for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are currently not known, but it’s associated with:
- Excess Insulin
- Low-grade Inflammation
- heredity
- excess androgen.
Potential Symptoms of PCOS
Women with PCOS may experience the following:
- Menstrual Cycle Abnormalities
- Increased Androgen (male sex hormone) Levels
- Excess Hair Growth
- Acne
- Obesity
In addition, symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Fatigue
- Pelvic Pain
- Symptoms associated with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction including urinary frequency and urgency as well as pain with bowel movements and painful intercourse.
Potential Risk Factors of PCOS
Risk factors of PCOS may include:
- Heredity
- High-stress Levels
- Infertility
- Estrogen Predominance
PCOS Pain Treatments
There is no cure for PCOS, but treatment aims to manage the symptoms that affect an individual, and patients may benefit from our pelvic floor trigger point treatment protocol. Because of the pain associated with PCOS and unknown factor of cause it can lead to other condition affecting the pelvic region. Because of all the tension and stress held in that area, it can lead to chronic pelvic pain syndrome or pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
If the pain is left unaddressed these pelvic floor conditions can ultimately affect multiple other muscular-skeletal, gastrointestinal, colorectal, Urogynecology, and other bodily systems. If you are experiencing discomfort from PCOS contact our office today to set up a consultation with one of our specialists.
