Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS can affect many parts of your body, including your hormonal levels, insulin response/resistance of your metabolism, weight gain, your skin, and even your menstrual cycle. Some of the most common symptoms of PCOS include:
- Irregular Periods
- Pelvic Pain
- Weight gain and inability to lose weight
- Hirsutism (excess body and facial hair)
- Acne that is unresponsive to typical treatments
- Skin tags on the neck or armpits
Symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person. Your provider will listen to your symptoms and help you manage the discomfort that comes with PCOS.
How Does My Provider Diagnose PCOS?
PCOS has a large variety of symptoms, it can be sometimes a challenge to diagnose. Your provider at Florida Woman Care has a lot of experience diagnosing and treating PCOS. We will investigate the causes of your symptoms to ensure you get the high-quality care you need from us.
Your provider will begin the diagnostic process with physical exams and some lab tests. A physical assesses your:
- Thyroid
- Weight
- Body Hair
- Acne
- Skin Condition
This will be followed up by a pelvic exam which checks for signs of cysts on your ovaries and other physical symptoms on your reproductive organs. An ultrasound can give your provider a more detailed view of any cysts on your ovaries or other etiology from your pelvic organs.
Blood tests can measure your hormone levels, where you are in your ovulation cycle, and rule out other conditions. Your health history will also be considered to rule out other potential diagnoses.
PCOS Treatment Options
There is no cure for PCOS, but treatments are available to help you manage the symptoms and grow your family if you want to. Your provider will discuss your future goals with you and develop a treatment plan that takes those into account. If your plans change in the future, your provider is here to help you explore treatment options that better align with your new health goals.
If you are interested in getting pregnant soon, your provider may recommend medications that can help regulate your ovulation cycle, as well as a change to your diet and lifestyle.
Should you prefer not to grow your family at this time: diabetes medication can help manage symptoms of insulin resistance and weight control. Combined hormonal birth control medications can help control your menstrual cycle, lower hormone levels, and reduce acne.
Get Care For Your PCOS
If you suspect you may have PCOS or are looking for care for your already diagnosed PCOS, the providers at Florida Woman Care can help. We will help you get relief from the PCOS symptoms that bother you the most and can even refer you to a fertility specialist if you are interested in growing your family. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss POCS today.