Managing PCOS

PCOS is the number one cause of female infertility in the US, affecting up to 5 million women of reproductive age. “I like to explain it to patients like OK this is not a permanent stamp under body that you will have forever and ever, it’s a syndrome. It’s a place you’re visiting right now that we want to get you out of,” said OB/GYN Dr. Rachel Wykes.
It’s often found in adolescence and before you start bearing children. “Irregular periods are one of the hallmark symptoms. The other is androgenic features. Androgens are the male hormones that are not so great for women so it can create hair growth, cystic acne,” said Dr. Wykes.
Obesity and family history often play a role. Dr. Wykes said the first thing she speaks with her patients about is diet. “Health starts at the grocery store. If we can start with simple changes when we go to the grocery store, that can be revolutionary, even a 5% weight loss can cure PCOS.”
PCOS comes from a hormonal imbalance. “The hallmark treatment of PCOS is birth control pills because birth control pills can give your ovaries a break,” said Dr. Wykes. Between lifestyle and medicine, PCOS is treatable. “This is not a death sentence. You don’t need to stay here forever. We can get you out of that. You can absolutely have a healthy pregnancy.”
You can learn more by searching for women’s health on leehealth.org.
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