PCOS, Menopause & Hormonal Issues
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormones. In PCOS, the body makes more male hormones (androgens) than normal. These extra hormones can interfere with how the ovaries work.
Normally, the ovaries release an egg every month as part of the menstrual cycle. But with PCOS, the ovaries may not release an egg at all, or they might release one that isn’t fully developed, which can lead to irregular periods or trouble getting pregnant.
PCOS also affects how your body uses insulin — the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. Women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which means the body doesn’t respond to insulin properly. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels and make it harder to lose weight.
Common Symptoms
Many women discover they have PCOS in their 20s or 30s, often when trying to get pregnant. It’s one of the most common reasons women have trouble with fertility.
Other signs of PCOS can include:
Irregular or missed periods
Unwanted hair growth (on the face, chest, stomach, or thighs)
Severe acne or oily skin
Dark, thick patches of skin (usually on the neck or underarms)
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
Skin tags
Multiple small cysts on the ovaries
Diagnosis
There’s no one test for PCOS. To figure out what’s going on, we will:
Ask about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, and family history
Do a physical and pelvic exam
Order an ultrasound to check your ovaries for cysts
Run blood tests to check your hormone levels
Treatment
PCOS can’t be cured, but it can be managed with the right treatment. We will create a treatment plan based on your symptoms, health goals, and whether or not you want to get pregnant.
Treatment options might include:
Birth control pills (with estrogen and progestin) to regulate periods
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Regular physical activity
Managing weight
Medications to block male hormones (anti-androgens)
Medicines to help the body use insulin better
Supplements, if needed
If you’re trying to conceive, medications that help with ovulation may be prescribed to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Menopause
What is Menopause?
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when her periods stop for good, marking the end of her reproductive years. It’s officially considered menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. Most women go through it in their early 50s.
But menopause doesn’t just happen overnight. It usually starts with a phase called perimenopause, which often begins in your 40s. During this time, your hormones — especially estrogen and progesterone — start to drop, which leads to changes in your menstrual cycle. Perimenopause can last up to four years.
Common Symptoms
Many of the symptoms you may associate with menopause actually begin in perimenopause. These can include:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Mood swings or depression
Trouble sleeping
Weight gain
Fatigue
Thinning hair
Dry skin
Vaginal dryness or pain during sex
Low sex drive
Changes in your period
Since estrogen helps keep bones strong, the drop in hormone levels can also increase your risk for bone loss or osteoporosis.
Diagnosis
f you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out for support. We recommend having regular checkups so we can help you prepare for menopause and catch any changes early.
During your visit, we’ll talk to you about your symptoms, overall health, and family history. We may also run some lab tests to make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms.
Treatment
There are many options available to help you feel better and manage symptoms. We will work with you to create a plan that fits your body and your lifestyle. Treatment might include:
Hormone therapy to replace estrogen
Antidepressants for mood and hot flashes
Vaginal creams to ease dryness and discomfort
Gabapentin for hot flashes
MonaLisa Touch® (a gentle laser treatment for vaginal dryness)
Healthy eating
Vitamins or supplements
Weight and stress management
Regular physical activity
We will keep track of how you’re doing with regular follow-ups and adjust your treatment as needed.