Find PCOS Specialist near you

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FAQs:

What is Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)?

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is a common hormone-related condition that affects the ovaries and can also impact the rest of the body. It may prevent normal ovulation, leading to small cysts in the ovaries and increased androgen levels. These hormonal changes can disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause various symptoms. While PMOS cannot be cured, medication can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of health complications. 

What is the Main Cause of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. There’s evidence that genetics plays a role. Several other factors, most importantly obesity, also play a role in causing PCOS. Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent your ovaries from releasing eggs, which causes irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also cause small, fluid-filled sacs to develop on your ovaries. High androgen also causes acne and excess hair growth in women and people AFAB.

Is PCOS Serious?

Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and uterine cancer. Women with PCOS often have problems with their ability to get pregnant (fertility).

What's the Difference Between PCOS and Endometriosis?

PCOS and endometriosis are different conditions, but both can cause ovarian cysts and infertility. Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows in other places, like your ovaries, vagina, or fallopian tubes. It typically causes pelvic pain or severe menstrual cramps. People with PCOS have irregular periods, unpredictable ovulation, and other physical side effects due to excess male hormones.

Is PCOS an Autoimmune Disease?

Regardless of their similarities, technically, PCOS is not an autoimmune disease; it is an endocrine disorder. However, whether you have PCOS or an autoimmune disease, working on your immune system, blood sugar regulation, and gut health seems like a good way to manage your symptoms.

Can PCOS be Cured?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be managed. Treatment options can vary because someone with PCOS may experience a range of symptoms, or just 1.

Is PCOS Genetic?

PCOS sometimes runs in families. If any relatives, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, have PCOS, the risk of you developing it is often increased. This suggests there may be a genetic link to PCOS, although specific genes associated with the condition have not yet been identified.

What Happens If PCOS is Left Untreated?

If PCOS is left untreated, it may increase the risk of long-term health problems, especially metabolic and reproductive complications. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk factors. Untreated PCOS may also cause ongoing irregular ovulation, which can contribute to infertility and prolonged exposure to unopposed estrogen, increasing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. 

Is PCOS an Endocrine Disorder?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-age women, occurring in about 6% to 15% of women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS often notice abnormal periods, acne, difficulty getting pregnant, or hirsutism—coarse, dark hair growth on the face and chest. Symptoms usually begin shortly after puberty.

How Common is PCOS?

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age and is considered a major global public health concern. About 10–13% of women worldwide are estimated to have PCOS, yet up to 70% remain undiagnosed. Prevalence may vary across racial and ethnic groups, influenced by genetics, metabolic risk, and unequal access to quality healthcare.

Can I Have PCOS but not Have any Symptoms?

Yes, it’s possible to have PCOS and not have any symptoms. Many people don’t even realize they have the condition until they have trouble getting pregnant or are gaining weight for unknown reasons. It’s also possible to have mild PCOS, where the symptoms aren’t severe enough for you to notice.

Can I Get Pregnant If I Have PCOS?

Yes, you can get pregnant with PCOS. While PCOS may make it harder to conceive and can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, many people with PCOS still become pregnant naturally. A healthcare provider can create a treatment plan to support ovulation, which may include medication or assisted reproductive options like IVF. Always work with your provider to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

What is the Cost of a PCOS Specialist?

The cost of a PCOS specialist generally ranges from $150 to $350 per session, with an average cost of around $250. Pricing can vary depending on the provider’s background, location, session length, and whether the service is offered as a single appointment, package, or ongoing program. Some clients may also pay extra for lab testing, supplements, digital guides, or monthly support. More affordable options, such as group programs, may cost around $35 to $75. 

4 Types of PCOS

Here are the different types of PCOS and how to identify which one you may have:

1. Insulin-resistant PCOS

This is the most common type of PCOS. It happens when high insulin levels interfere with ovulation and cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone. It is often linked to factors like excess sugar intake, smoking, pollution, trans fats, and being overweight. You may have insulin-resistant PCOS if your doctor has mentioned borderline diabetes, abnormal glucose tolerance, high insulin levels, or weight-related insulin resistance.

2. Pill-induced PCOS

This is the second most common type of PCOS. It can happen after stopping birth control pills, which suppress ovulation. While most women start ovulating again once the pill’s effects wear off, some may not resume ovulation for months or even years. You may have pill-induced PCOS if you had regular periods before taking birth control pills or if blood tests show increased LH levels.

3. Inflammatory PCOS

This type of PCOS is caused by inflammation, which can disrupt ovulation, affect hormone balance, and increase androgen production. Common triggers include stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory foods such as gluten. You may have inflammatory PCOS if you experience symptoms like headaches, frequent infections, or skin allergies, along with blood test results showing vitamin D deficiency, abnormal blood count, or elevated thyroid levels.

4. Hidden PCOS

This is usually a milder form of PCOS and may improve within three to four months once the underlying cause is addressed. Possible causes include thyroid disease, iodine deficiency, zinc deficiency from a vegetarian diet, and artificial sweeteners. You may have hidden PCOS if you have tried several natural PCOS treatments without improvement. In this case, it is best to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and guidance.

Signs and Symptoms of PMOS

The most common signs and symptoms of PMOS include:

1. Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It may also involve heavy bleeding during periods.

2. Abnormal hair growth: You may grow excess facial hair or experience heavy hair growth on your arms, chest, and abdomen (hirsutism). This affects up to 70% of people with PCOS.

3. Acne: PCOS can cause acne, especially on your back, chest, and face. This acne may persist beyond your teenage years and be difficult to treat.

4. Obesity: Between 40% and 80% of people with PCOS have obesity and have trouble maintaining a weight that’s healthy for them.

5. Darkening of the skin: You may get patches of dark skin, especially in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin (between the legs), and under your breasts. This is known as acanthosis nigricans.

6. Cysts: Many people with PCOS have ovaries that appear larger or with many follicles (egg sac cysts) on ultrasound.

7. Skin tags: Skin tags are little flaps of extra skin. They’re often found in your armpits or on your neck.

8. Thinning hair: People with PCOS may lose patches of hair on their head or start to go bald.

9. Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in people AFAB. Not ovulating regularly or frequently can result in not being able to conceive.

Causes of PMOS

The exact cause of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is unknown, but experts believe several factors may contribute:

1. Insulin resistance. PMOS may make the body less responsive to insulin, causing blood sugar and insulin levels to rise. This can lead to weight gain, increased hunger, and dark, velvety skin patches on the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts.

2. Genes. PMOS may run in families. Having a family history of PMOS can increase the chances of developing the condition.

3. Too much androgen activity. PMOS may cause the body to produce too much androgen or make these hormones more active. This can lead to excess facial or body hair, acne, and irregular ovulation.

Complications of PCOS

Complications of PCOS can include:

- Infertility

- Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

- Miscarriage or premature birth

- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat buildup in the liver

- Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease

- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

- Sleep apnea

- Depression, anxiety, and eating disorders

- Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

Obesity commonly occurs with PCOS and can worsen complications of the disorder.

Best Doctors for PCOS Treatment

Physicians from different specialties can diagnose and treat PCOS depending on your symptoms, care needs, and available specialists. Common doctors who treat PCOS include:

1. Family doctors: Primary care physicians can help manage PCOS care and coordinate with specialists for hormone imbalance, irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight concerns, metabolic issues, and infertility.

2. Endocrinologists: These hormone specialists diagnose and treat PCOS, especially when symptoms involve insulin resistance, hormonal imbalance, or complex endocrine concerns.

3. Obstetrician/gynecologists: OB-GYNs often help identify PCOS through menstrual or fertility concerns. They may continue treatment or refer you to an endocrinologist for more specialized care.

4. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialists: These doctors focus on ovulation, menstrual disorders, and infertility, making them helpful for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive.

5. Functional medicine specialists: These practitioners look at lifestyle, genetics, and biochemical factors to help manage PCOS symptoms through personalized lifestyle changes. They can support PCOS care, but should work alongside your primary doctor rather than replace them.

PCOS Weight Loss Tips: How to Lose Weight with PCOS Naturally

Here are 12 helpful tips for losing weight with PCOS.

1. Reduce your carb intake
Lowering carbs may help manage PCOS by improving insulin levels and supporting better blood sugar control.

2. Get plenty of fiber
A high-fiber diet can help you feel full longer, which may support weight loss in people with PCOS.

3. Eat enough protein
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce cravings, increase fullness, and support healthy weight management.

4. Eat healthy fats
Healthy fats can improve meal satisfaction and may help manage weight and PCOS-related symptoms.

5. Eat fermented foods
Fermented foods may support gut health, which can play a role in metabolism and weight management.

6. Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating helps improve awareness of hunger and fullness cues and may reduce emotional or binge eating.

7. Limit processed foods and added sugars
Cutting back on processed foods and sugar may help reduce blood sugar spikes, insulin resistance, and the risk of weight gain.

8. Reduce inflammation
Reducing sugar and processed foods may help lower chronic inflammation, which is common in PCOS and linked to obesity.

9. Exercise regularly
Cardio and strength training can support fat loss, reduce belly fat, and improve insulin sensitivity in people with PCOS.

10. Get enough sleep
Quality sleep helps regulate hunger hormones and may lower the risk of weight gain.

11. Manage your stress
Stress management can help lower cortisol levels, which are linked to insulin resistance, belly fat, and weight gain.

12. Consider supplements
Supplements like myo-inositol and carnitine may help support weight management and improve PCOS symptoms, but it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using them.

Natural PCOS Treatment: 12 Ways to Manage PCOS Symptoms Naturally

PCOS cannot fully go away naturally, but its symptoms can be managed long-term through healthy lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and supportive therapies that help address hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, fertility concerns, and inflammation.

1. Eat mostly whole foods.
Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes while limiting processed foods and added sugars to support healthier blood sugar and hormone balance.

2. Get enough protein.
Protein helps reduce cravings, keeps you full longer, and supports glucose metabolism, which is important for managing PCOS symptoms.

3. Watch out for carbohydrates.
Limit excess sugar and refined carbs, as they can make blood sugar regulation harder and worsen PCOS-related symptoms.

4. Up your fiber intake.
Fiber supports blood sugar control, gut health, and reduced bloating. Add more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to your diet.

5. Pay attention to your iron.
Some women with PCOS may experience iron deficiency, while others may have iron overload, which can worsen insulin resistance. Bloodwork can help monitor your levels.

6. Cut back on caffeine.
Too much caffeine may raise cortisol, affecting blood sugar, weight, and inflammation. Green tea may be a better option for weight and hormone support.

7. Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol can increase estrogen levels and may worsen symptoms like acne, irregular periods, and unwanted hair growth. Women with PCOS may also have a higher risk of fatty liver.

8. Maintain a healthy body weight.
Weight management can be difficult with PCOS, but a balanced diet, regular exercise, supplements, and support can help improve symptoms.

9. Get good sleep.
Poor sleep can make PCOS symptoms harder to manage. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and speak with a doctor if fatigue continues.

10. Find a good exercise routine.
Exercise supports mood, weight, and glucose metabolism. HIIT and strength training may be especially helpful for insulin resistance.

11. Manage your stress levels.
Chronic stress can increase inflammation and affect metabolism and mental health. Mindfulness, movement, and relaxation techniques may help.

12. Check out some alternative therapies.
Acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and qigong may help manage stress, chronic pain, and inflammation while supporting overall wellness.

How to Get Pregnant with PCOS: Fertility Treatment Options

If you have PCOS, several treatment options may help improve your chances of getting pregnant:

1. Losing weight. If you are overweight or obese, healthy weight loss through balanced eating and regular physical activity may help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve fertility.

2. Medicine. After other causes of infertility are ruled out, your doctor may prescribe ovulation-inducing medication, such as clomiphene, to help you ovulate.

3. In vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF may be recommended if medication does not work. It involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a lab, then placing the fertilized egg into the uterus. IVF generally has higher pregnancy rates and allows better control over the risk of twins or triplets.

4. Surgery. Surgery is usually considered only when other options do not work. Ovarian drilling creates small holes in the ovary’s surface to help restore ovulation, but the effect typically lasts only 6 to 8 months.

PCOS Doctor Appointment: What to Prepare and Ask

For PCOS, you may be referred to a gynecologist, endocrinologist, or reproductive endocrinologist. To prepare for your appointment, make a list of your symptoms, menstrual cycle details, current medications or supplements, medical history, recent life changes, and questions for your provider.

Helpful questions to ask include what tests are needed, how PCOS may affect fertility, whether medications can help with symptoms or pregnancy chances, what lifestyle changes may improve symptoms, how PCOS may affect long-term health, and how to manage PCOS alongside other medical conditions. Don’t hesitate to ask any additional questions during your visit.

What to Expect from Your PCOS Specialist

Your health care provider is likely to ask you several questions, including:

1. What are your symptoms? How often do they happen?

2. How bad are your symptoms?

3. When did each symptom begin?

4. When was your last period?

5. Have you gained weight since you first started having periods? How much weight did you gain, and when did you gain it?

6. Does anything seem to improve your symptoms? Make them worse?

7. Are you trying to get pregnant, or do you wish to become pregnant?

8. Has any close blood relative, such as your mother or a sister, ever been diagnosed with PCOS?

 

Sources:

Sofia Health

Johns Hopkins

Mayo Clinic

Cleveland Clinic

Indira IVF

Healthline

Nutritionist Resource

NHS

NIH

Health Central

WHO

OASH

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.