What does hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome have in common? What are their differences? These aren’t riddles, but finding the answers comes with its own set of significant rewards. Of course, there’s a catch here: you can’t really find the solution on your own. They’re two distinct conditions leading to different outcomes, yet they present many of the same symptoms, which is why they’re often initially mistaken for one another by general physicians.
Gynecology Specialists in Norman OK are trained to recognize the differences. Since they’re treated in varying ways, understanding their dissimilarities as well as their likenesses is crucial to effective care. At the same time, an accurate diagnosis early on is the key to combating their potential long-term impacts on your health.
Both conditions are known to cause unexplained pain, weight gain, and fatigue among other symptoms. Because both are associated with hormonal imbalances, they can also bring about menstrual irregularities like heavy, prolonged, or delayed cycles. Incidentally, all these warning signs are also present with depression, another condition with which they’re commonly confused.
With hypothyroidism, the body produces inadequate amounts of a full array of hormones. If left untreated, or treated incorrectly, it can cause myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition in which body temperature and heart rate drop to dangerously low levels, mental deterioration begins, and heart and respiratory failure can occur. For pregnant women, improperly treated hypothyroidism can have a serious impact on the developing fetus.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, on the other hand, can lead to high cholesterol and blood pressure, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of heart disease. This condition can also greatly reduce a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. Those who are able to conceive may be unable to carry a fetus to full term.
Both are very different situations with varying, but equally dire, consequences. Still, they can be successfully treated by gynecology Specialists in Norman OK. Spotting their subtle distinctions is vital to an accurate diagnosis, and getting the diagnosis right as early as possible could dramatically improve a patient’s life. In truth, doing so could save a life or two. Those are only a couple common examples of mistaken medical identities. Click here to learn more about how the right physician can help turn the tables in your favor.
