PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder that affects one in 10 women of childbearing age, where their ovaries or adrenal glands produce more male hormones than normal. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance. PCOS is also a common and treatable cause of infertility.
The Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas are board-certified OB/GYN physicians who are very experienced in diagnosing and treating PCOS. Their team also includes a dietician, Jade Tunnell, who offers nutrition counseling to help focus on weight loss and health goals specifically for PCOS patients. With two locations in Dallas and Rockwall, Texas, our team is here to help you.
Some of the symptoms of PCOS include:
Women with PCOS are at higher risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, sleep apnea, mood disorders, and high blood pressure, and therefore, will need to see their doctors regularly for checkups.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, however, there are several factors that may play a role:
In diagnosing PCOS, your doctor is looking for three characteristic features including the absence of ovulation, high levels of androgens, and cysts on the ovaries. Having one or more of these features could lead to a diagnosis of PCOS.
During your consultation, your doctor will
Even though there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include:
Weight loss. Losing weight will help you to lower your blood glucose levels, improve the way your body uses insulin, and help your hormones reach normal levels. This last part is especially important to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Hair removal or slowing hair growth. You can try laser hair removal or electrolysis to remove excess hair. There are even prescription skin creams that can slow down the growth rate of new hair in unwanted places.
Prescription medicines. Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, patch, shot, vaginal ring, or hormonal IUD may be prescribed to improve acne and reduce unwanted hair. Other medicines can block the effect of androgens or lower insulin and androgen levels. If you are trying to get pregnant, your doctor may prescribe Clomid to help you ovulate.
In vitro fertilization (IVF). This is another option to help you get pregnant. Your egg is fertilized with your partner’s sperm in a laboratory and then placed in your uterus to implant and develop. IVF results in higher pregnancy rates and lowers your risk for multiple births.
Surgery. Ovarian drilling is a surgery in which your doctor makes a few holes in the surface of your ovary using lasers or a fine needle heated with electricity. Surgery usually restores ovulation, although the effects are only temporary, lasting for 6 to 8 months.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of PCOS, visit the Women’s Health Specialists of Dallas for the highest standard of gynecological care. You may call (214) 363-4421 to schedule an appointment.
8160 Walnut Hill Lane
Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75231
1020 W Ralph Hall Pkwy
Suite 101
Rockwall, TX 75032