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PCOS Specialist

Arizona Women's Care

OBGYNs located in Scottsdale, AZ

Up to 10% of American women of child-bearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and live with painful and distressing symptoms ranging from excess body hair to infertility. The board-certified OB/GYNs and clinical team at Arizona Women’s Care in Scottsdale, Arizona, diagnose PCOS and offer personalized treatments to relieve your symptoms and restore your reproductive health. Call Arizona Women’s Care or schedule a consultation online today if you have concerns about PCOS.

PCOS Q & A

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a relatively common reproductive health issue causing abnormal cysts to form on your ovaries. 

During ovulation, your ovaries produce a follicle that holds the egg cell until it matures and enters your fallopian tube. If you have PCOS, many of these tiny fluid-filled sacs form inside your ovaries. However, the eggs never develop, which interferes with hormone production. 

What are the signs of PCOS?

PCOS can cause various symptoms, including:

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Excess hair on the face or body
  • Acne
  • Thinning hair
  • Weight gain or trouble losing weight
  • Darkening skin
  • Skin tags on your neck or armpits
  • Infertility 

Some women may have PCOS but not have any signs. If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Arizona Women’s Care for testing to identify their root cause. 

What causes PCOS?

PCOS is related to your hormone production, but medical researchers haven’t identified a specific cause. Women with PCOS have higher than normal testosterone, creating a hormonal imbalance that interferes with their menstrual cycles. 

Additionally, the cysts affect your estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone production, leading to elevated testosterone and abnormal ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Your risk of PCOS increases if you have a family history of the disease, insulin resistance, or are overweight. 

How is PCOS diagnosed?

The Arizona Women’s Care team uses physical exams and tests to diagnose PCOS. During your physical exam, your doctor looks for visible signs of the condition, such as excessive body hair, acne, or thinning hair. 

Your doctor also orders blood tests to measure your hormone levels and check for diabetes or thyroid disease, which could cause similar symptoms. When necessary, your doctor may schedule an ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries.

How is PCOS treated?

The physicians at Arizona Women’s Care offer customized treatment plans for PCOS. For example, they might prescribe birth control or other hormone therapy to regulate your hormone health.

Your doctor may recommend adjusting your diet, getting more exercise, and weight loss. Improving your overall health contributes to healthy hormone production and can lessen many distressing PCOS symptoms. 

Call Arizona Women’s Care or schedule an appointment online today if you have any concerns about PCOS.