PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Specialist
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a gynecological condition in which your body produces too much androgens (male hormones). PCOS can cause unpleasant symptoms and lead to complications if it’s left untreated.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Women with PCOS may experience these symptoms:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Excess facial or body hair
- Acne and oily skin
- Thick skin patches
- Male pattern baldness
- Pelvic pain
- Weight gain
Complications associated with untreated PCOS include diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, depression, endometrial cancer, and miscarriage.
What causes PCOS?
The cause of PCOS isn’t entirely clear, but it’s associated with excess insulin production, high androgen levels, low-grade inflammation, and genetic factors. Your risk of developing it or experiencing severe symptoms is greater if you’re overweight or obese.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
To diagnose PCOS, your Elite Women’s Care specialist asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical history. They complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and check for signs of excess hair growth, acne, and insulin resistance.
Your doctor might use blood tests, ultrasound, and other diagnostic screening tools to further assess PCOS and complications associated with it.
How is PCOS treated?
Your personalized PCOS treatment plan is based on your specific symptoms and whether you’d like to have children in the future. Your OB/GYN specialist might suggest:
Lifestyle changes
Weight loss with a low-calorie diet, reduced carbohydrates, and regular exercise can improve PCOS symptoms and increase the effectiveness of PCOS medications. These lifestyle modifications may also improve fertility.
Hormone therapy
Birth control pills or progestin therapy can decrease androgen production, protect against endometrial cancer, or regulate periods for symptom relief.
Ovulation-stimulating medications
To help you ovulate and become pregnant when you have PCOS, your provider might recommend oral medications or injections.
Hair growth treatments
To reduce excess unwanted hair growth associated with PCOS, your OB/GYN specialist may recommend birth control pills, androgen-blocking medications, creams, or electrolysis to destroy hair follicles.
Don’t live with painful or embarrassing symptoms of PCOS when treatments are available at Elite Women’s Care. Schedule an appointment by phone or use the online booking tool today.