PCOS Specialist

Contemporary Women's Care

OB/GYNs located in Winter Park, FL & Lake Nona, FL

Are your periods irregular? Is the hair on your head thinning or are you growing hair in abnormal places, such as your chin? You may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is a hormonal disorder that can affect your fertility. The experienced team at Contemporary Women’s Care, with offices in Winter Park and Lake Nona, Florida, can determine if your symptoms are due to PCOS and help you manage the disease and improve your overall health. Call one of the offices or request an appointment online.

PCOS Q & A

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal condition that affects women during their childbearing years. PCOS can develop at any time, but frequently begins during the onset of your menses. Identifying PCOS early can help you prevent long-term complications related to the hormonal condition, including heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Doctors aren’t certain of the exact cause of PCOS, but certain factors may increase your risk, such as:

Excess insulin production
Excess androgen production
Low-grade inflammation

Certain genetic traits may also play a role in your development of PCOS.

How do I know if I have PCOS?

Your specialist at Contemporary Women’s Care can determine if you have PCOS after an examination, review of your symptoms, and discussion of your medical history. In order to be diagnosed with PCOS you must have two of the following:

Irregular periods

One of the most common indicators of PCOS is an irregular period. With PCOS, your menstrual cycle may be 35 days long, resulting in only around nine periods a year, which can affect fertility.

Polycystic ovaries

Your ovaries may contain an excessive number of follicles that surround your eggs and prevent normal function.

Excess androgens

Androgens are male sex hormones responsible for the development of facial hair and male-pattern baldness. If your androgen levels are high, it may indicate PCOS.

If you’re obese, your symptoms of PCOS may be more severe.

As part of a workup to diagnose PCOS, your provider performs a pelvic exam, runs a blood test to assess hormone levels, and conducts an ultrasound to evaluate your ovaries.

How is PCOS treated?

Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing the unpleasant symptoms, such as facial hair and acne, and improving your overall health. Your treatment may include:

Lifestyle modifications to promote weight loss
Hormone therapy to regulate your menstrual cycle
Clomiphene, letrozole, or metformin to help with ovulation
Electrolysis to get rid of unwanted hair

Birth control pills also help decrease androgen production and may assist in reducing unwanted facial hair.

Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?

PCOS is one of the most common reasons women have a difficult time getting pregnant. But it’s also one of the most treatable causes of infertility. The experienced team at Contemporary Women’s Care can work with you to devise a plan to improve your chances of conception.

PCOS is a long-term medical condition that can be managed with the right care. Call Contemporary Women’s Care today or request an appointment online.

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