Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Treatment in Metairie, LA

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder affecting women of childbearing age, resulting in hormonal imbalance and metabolism issues.

The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular periods. If you have PCOS, you may experience infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. 

Women with PCOS may have excess androgenic hormone (testosterone or DHEA-S) levels that impact their everyday life. The hormonal imbalance can impair ovulation, sometimes making it difficult to get pregnant.

PCOS affects one in ten women of childbearing age and is a fairly common reason for infertility. The good news is that PCOS is treatable, and with the right care you can get your hormones back in balance.

Our board-certified OBGYN, Dr. Katherine Swing, is experienced in treating PCOS. At our clinic, we understand the unique needs of individuals dealing with PCOS, and we’re here to provide you with expert care and support. Schedule an appointment with her today by using our online secure form.

How Will I Know if I have PCOS?

PCOS is usually discovered around the time women start menstruating, but it can also be diagnosed later on. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but genetics, obesity, or insulin may all be contributing factors.

Women with PCOS often have the following symptoms:

• Irregular periods – Women may miss periods or have very few periods. The opposite can also be true, where women have a period every 21 days or even more often.
• Excess hair or acne– This can be due to the high amount of androgen hormones. These are sometimes called male hormones, but women produce a small amount of androgen as well. High levels of testosterone can cause excess hair growth in unwanted areas, scalp hair loss, or acne and may be a sign of PCOS.
• Weight issues –Women with PCOS may struggle with weight gain or have difficulty losing weight.
• Thinning hair on scalp – Some women report male-pattern baldness.
• Darkening of skin or skin tags – Dark areas of skin around the neck, breasts, or groin area may be a sign of PCOS as a result of high insulin levels.  Skin tags can also be seen in obesity and PCOS.

What Treatment is Available for PCOS?

For women with PCOS, there are several treatment options available. It can be frustrating to have irregular menstrual cycles, and the effects of excess androgen hormones can impact your confidence and daily life.  Luckily, there are many paths to treat PCOS. There are a number of factors that impact your treatment plan such as age, desire for pregnancy, severity of symptoms, and your level of comfortableness with different medications.

If you have PCOS, Dr. Swing may suggest:

Hormonal birth control

If you do not want to get pregnant, birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycle and help improve acne and reduce extra hair on the face and body. Oral contraceptive pills are usually the best option, because they raise sex-hormone binding globulin.  This protein grabs on to testosterone to lower the free levels and prevent the side effects of excess testosterone.

Anti-androgen medicine

Dr. Swing can prescribe medicine to help block the effect of androgens. This is helpful to reduce excess hair growth, acne, and scalp hair loss.

Type 2 Diabetes medication

If you have PCOS, sometimes your body has issues with insulin and regulating your blood sugar. The medicine metformin is often used to treat type 2 diabetes and may help with PCOS symptoms. It can help lower your blood sugar and may help you restart ovulation.

Ovulation medication

If you are trying to get pregnant but your ovulation is difficult to track, Dr. Swing may prescribe clomiphene or letrozole to help stimulate the ovaries. Dr. Swing will help you decode which medication is right for you.

When Do I Need to Seek Help for PCOS?

If you are frustrated with your irregular periods or if you have noticed unwanted effects of excess androgen hormones, come talk to Dr. Katherine Swing at Swing Women’s Health and Wellness.

The earlier you discover your PCOS, the sooner you can get the help you need. With Dr. Swing, you can make lifestyle changes or take medications to help improve your quality of life.

Sources:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome

Schedule a PCOS Consultation in Metairie, LA

Struggling with the challenges of PCOS? Our team of experts at Swing Women’s Health and Wellness specializes in managing and treating PCOS with compassion and expertise. Take control of your health and hormonal balance. Schedule your consultation for PCOS management in Metairie, LA today.