OB/GYN Advice for Managing PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions. It affects about 1 in 10 women in their reproductive years, and symptoms are all over the map—from unpredictable periods to acne, weight changes, or even challenges with fertility. Because the symptoms often overlap with other conditions, PCOS can often lurk in the shadows and be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

If you’re living with PCOS: the struggle is real. The good news? PCOS is manageable, and with the right care, you can feel more in control of your body and your health. Let’s walk through some of the most common symptoms and treatments to help you manage PCOS.

Common PCOS Symptoms and How OB/GYNs Can Help

Irregular Periods
When your period shows up fashionably late or not at all, this can be a sign of PCOS. The hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS can mess with your ovulation and menstrual cycle patterns. Your Axia Women’s Health provider can often recommend hormonal birth control or other medications to help get your cycles back on track.

Ovarian Cysts
Although ovarian cysts for women are very common, PCOS can cause multiple ovarian cysts or painful ovarian cysts. Your provider can monitor cysts through a pelvic exam and/or an ultrasound and offer a range of treatments depending on the type and size of the cyst. Treatments can include hormonal birth control to help prevent cysts from growing or minimally-invasive surgery to remove cysts altogether.

Infertility
PCOS can turn ovulation into a bit of a guessing game, which is why it’s one of the top causes of infertility. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. Your provider can help you explore treatments such as ovarian-stimulating medications or can refer you to one of our trusted partners who specialize in reproductive endocrinology for further support. Our partners in the Midwest at Midwest Fertility Specialists and in the MidAtlantic at  South Jersey Fertility Center and the Fertility Institute of NJ & NY, offer next-level fertility treatments ranging from Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and more.

Acne and Excess Body Hair
Hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS often contribute to stubborn acne that just won’t quit and/or growth of male pattern hair growth on the lip, chin, chest or backBirth control pills and anti-androgen medications are among the most effective PCOS treatments for improving skin clarity over time.

Depression or Mood Swings
Living with PCOS can take a toll on your mental health. Feeling down or in a funk with PCOS is common, but it doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. Axia Women’s Health offers virtual mental health support from licensed professionals who understand the unique challenges we face as women.  Axia patients can call or text 484-229-4545 to schedule an appointment or book online. Appointments are available in less than one week, making it easy for you to access the care you need, when you need it.

Excess weight
Excessive weight often contributes to PCOS and insulin resistance, which can make weight management tricky. Insulin resistance means that the body doesn’t respond as well to insulin as it should. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which in turn can make PCOS symptoms worse.  The good news? Diet and lifestyle changes can help. Eating foods that don’t spike your blood sugar, staying active, sleeping well, and managing stress can all make a real difference.

As an Axia patient, we can also connect you with a registered dietician through our partnership with Simplex Health to help you create healthy meal and nutrition plans to support your unique needs.

PCOS Treatment Options

Lifestyle changes are often the first step in learning how to manage PCOS naturally. A nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, quality sleep, and stress management techniques can improve insulin sensitivity and hormone balance. If those methods aren’t working, your Axia Women’s Health provider may also recommend one of the following types of medications:

• Hormonal birth control methods like the pill may help to regulate periods and reduce hormonal acne
• Insulin-resistance medications like Metformin may help to improve insulin resistance and support weight management
• Anti-androgen medications
• Ovarian stimulation medications like Clomid can help stimulate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) to promote the growth of ovarian follicles which may help support your fertility
• Assisted reproductive treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are another, more advanced, option for couples looking to conceive

When to See an OB/GYN for PCOS

If your periods are all over the place, you have stubborn acne that isn’t clearing up, pregnancy isn’t happening as easily as you hoped, or you notice unexplained weight changes, it’s time to reach out. Your Axia Women’s Health provider can help you get a proper diagnosis, manage your symptoms, and help you take back control of your body.

Remember, having PCOS doesn’t define you—and with the right care and support, you level-up your health and feel empowered in your own skin.