PCOS Specialist

What is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a metabolic and endocrine disorder that affects one in 10 women of childbearing age.  If you suffer from PCOS, you typically have high blood sugar and elevated insulin levels, which is sometimes called prediabetes. Women who suffer from PCOS also have higher-than-normal levels of the male hormone testosterone.

PCOS is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean it’s uncontrollable. With help from the team at Women's Wellness & Healthcare Clinic, you can control the disease with diet, exercise, and medication if needed.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS can have a number of negative effects on your body, including:

• Weight gain
• Irregular periods
• Male pattern hair growth (beard, mustache, chest, thighs)
• Fertility problems
• Acne 
• Ovarian cysts
• Mood swings
• Dark, velvety skin in underarms, neck, groin, and inner thighs

Many patients notice an inability to lose weight, irregular periods, and difficulty conceiving a child as their first major signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your provider as soon as possible to take control of your health.

What are the long-term effects of PCOS?

PCOS has links to serious health issues, including high cholesterol, heart disease, and hypertension. When you have PCOS, you’re at risk for an overgrowth of the uterine lining. This can lead to a condition called endometrial hyperplasia that could become cancer.

As a PCOS sufferer, your risk for diabetes is greatly elevated, as well. But, you can consider PCOS a warning sign and take steps to prevent diabetes and other serious health problems now.

How is PCOS treated?

The team at Women's Wellness & Healthcare Clinic understands the many negative effects that PCOS has on your body and your life, and they’re here to support and guide you to better health. It’s important to have regular checkups, including blood work, ultrasound scans, and comprehensive physicals, to monitor changes and prevent PCOS from growing worse. 

Diet and exercise are instrumental in PCOS management, so it’s recommended to avoid quick fixes. Focus on long-term lifestyle changes like fewer carbs and more unprocessed foods. The team at Women’s Wellness & Healthcare Clinic utilizes metabolic and nutritional testing for patients, allowing for a personalized treatment plan that helps them understand and treat the underlying cause of PCOS.

Your provider might also prescribe medication to reduce testosterone and bleeding. Depending on your circumstances, you might also need medication to control sugar and enhance your fertility. 

PCOS doesn’t have to affect your everyday health. Reach out to the team at Women's Wellness & Healthcare Clinic or schedule an appointment online.