PCOS Specialist

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the ovaries, the parts of the female reproductive system that release eggs. With PCOS, your ovaries produce too many androgens or male hormones, and as a result, fluid-filled sacs called cysts develop within the ovaries. 

If you have PCOS, your ovaries might not release eggs during ovulation; PCOS is the leading cause of infertility. Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, offers treatments that might improve your fertility. 

PCOS can also affect your menstrual cycle and cause period symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, or very light periods. 

Diagnosing PCOS usually requires testing, such as ultrasound imaging or hormonal blood tests. Many PCOS symptoms can also come from other conditions, so getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for treating it effectively. 

What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

Signs and symptoms of PCOS mostly appear because of your ovaries’ excess production of androgens. Usually, they first appear with your first period during puberty; however, you can also develop PCOS after substantial weight gain, in which case the symptoms often appear later in life. 

When you visit Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, be sure to mention possible PCOS symptoms like:

• Excess body or facial hair (hirsutism)
• Oily skin and acne
• Baldness or thinning patches of hair
• Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
• Darkening patches of skin, especially in folds of skin
• Period changes

Using an imaging test like ultrasound imaging, the team at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, can view your ovaries and check for enlargement. 

What are my treatment options for PCOS?

Treating PCOS requires an individualized care plan based on your age, symptom severity, and overall health. Your treatment also depends on whether or not you plan on getting pregnant in the future. 

After a thorough evaluation in the office, the team at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, recommends treatments and lifestyle changes such as:

• Healthy dietary changes
• Physical activity
• Hormonal birth control
• Diabetes medications

PCOS symptoms tend to be worse if you’re overweight, so weight loss through healthy dietary changes and activity modification may be a vital component in your treatment plan. 

If you’re interested in getting pregnant but experience infertility because of PCOS, the team at Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, can recommend fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization or medications that promote ovulation. 

Women’s Health Specialists, PLLC, is ready to treat your PCOS symptoms and help with infertility if you have it. Book your appointment online or call the office to schedule your visit for PCOS care today.