Our Services / PCOS

PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility that affects up to 5 million American women of reproductive age. If you have irregular periods, male-pattern baldness, or excess facial or body hair, turn to the experts at Mesbah OB/GYN in Garden City, New York. The OB/GYN specialists diagnose and treat PCOS to reduce unpleasant symptoms and restore fertility. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

serving Garden City, Mineola, East Meadow, Levittown, Long Island, NY, and the surrounding areas

What is PCOS?

PCOS, which stands for polycystic ovary syndrome, is a condition that affects women in their late teens or early 20s. It can result in excess production of the male hormone androgen and unpleasant symptoms that accompany it.

Early diagnosis and treatment at Mesbah OB/GYN is the best way to reduce your risk of infertility and other PCOS complications.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Common symptoms you may notice with PCOS include:

Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods
Irregular periods
Excess androgen production
Enlarged ovaries
Diminished ovary functioning
Excess facial or body hair
Severe acne
Male-pattern baldness

In addition to infertility, other complications that can occur with untreated PCOS include pregnancy problems, diabetes, sleeping problems, depression, anxiety, and a higher risk of endometrial cancer.

What are the risk factors for PCOS?

The cause of PCOS isn’t entirely clear, but common factors that increase your risk of developing the condition include:

Being overweight
Excess insulin production
Genetics
Low-grade inflammation
Too much androgen production

Adopting healthy habits and maintaining an ideal body weight can reduce your risk of developing PCOS, but you can’t always avoid getting it.

How does my provider diagnose PCOS?

To find out if you have PCOS, the experts at Mesbah OB/GYN review your symptoms and medical history with you. They assess your vital signs, complete a physical exam that includes a pelvic exam, and check for excess facial or body hair growth, as well as acne, insulin resistance, and male-pattern baldness.

Providers usually recommend you undergo blood tests to assess hormone levels or an ultrasound to develop a picture of your ovaries and uterus. They place a wand-like device into your vagina to emit sound waves and develop images of these reproductive structures.

How is PCOS treated?

PCOS treatments that your specialist could recommend include:

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to reduce unpleasant PCOS symptoms include losing weight if you’re overweight, getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods, and limiting carbohydrates in your diet.

Medications

Taking birth control pills, other hormone medications, medicines that deal with insulin resistance, or medications for infertility are common treatments for PCOS. The Mesbah OB/GYN team could also suggest medications or other treatments that reduce facial hair growth and acne.

To find out if you have PCOS or to get treated for it, call the Mesbah OB/GYN office, or schedule an appointment online today.