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PCOS services offered on Upper East Side, New York, NY
As the most prevalent cause of infertility among women, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can put a hold on some of your life’s decisions. Fortunately, gynecologist Suzanne Fenske, MD, FACOG, of TārāMD in the Upper East Side area of Manhattan in New York City, provides integrative PCOS care while accounting for your plans or lack of plans to get pregnant in the future. To learn more about PCOS treatments and testing, call TārāMD or book online today.
PCOS Q & A
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic condition that causes you to have high levels of androgen hormones, which are usually much higher in men, and may prevent ovulation. In fact, it’s the number one cause of infertility in women. The hormone imbalance associated with PCOS can cause a range of other symptoms too.
If you have PCOS, many small fluid-filled sacs called cysts form all over your ovaries. While this doesn’t happen to everyone with PCOS, it’s a distinct feature of the condition. While the cause of PCOS isn’t clear, experts now understand that the condition can increase your insulin levels and that higher body weight can worsen its symptoms.
TārāMD uses hormone testing, among other strategies, to make a PCOS diagnosis and get you on track with the treatment you need to reduce symptoms.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS symptoms vary from person to person, but most of them stem from your increased androgen levels. A few of the most common PCOS symptoms are:
- Weight gain, especially in your abdomen
- Acne
- Missed or irregular periods
- Excessive body hair
- Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning
- Skin tags
- Skin darkening, especially in folded areas
Of course, infertility is a major symptom too. Dr. Fenske develops your treatment plan while considering any future plans you have to get pregnant.
How can I manage my PCOS?
Managing PCOS is possible with integrative and functional care at TārāMD, which your physician personalizes according to your needs and specifications. Hormonal contraception is a leading treatment for PCOS as it controls your menstrual cycles and reduces androgens. However, it’s not an ideal form of treatment if you plan on getting pregnant and does not get to the root of the issue.
Other treatments you can use for PCOS and its symptoms are:
- Supplements and herbal medicine
- Nutrition
- Medications that stimulate ovulation
- Acupuncture
- Mind-body tools like yoga and meditation
- Medications for specific symptoms
An integrative care approach combines the best practices in conventional medicine with widely used alternative therapies, which also have merit and can result in significant improvements.
You can manage your PCOS-related symptoms and infertility with individualized care. To learn more about PCOS, call TārāMD or schedule your appointment online today.