PCOS Specialist
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Capital Women's Care Division 67
OBGYNs located in Ballston, Arlington, VA
Are you experiencing irregular periods, thinning hair, or unexplained weight gain? An imbalance in hormones may be to blame. The expert team at Capital Women’s Care in the Ballston area of Arlington, Virginia, offer testing and treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a common condition that causes an imbalance in hormone levels in women. If you’re concerned about PCOS or need treatment, call the office or book an appointment online.
PCOS Q & A
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a medical condition characterized by an imbalance in reproductive hormones that affects women during their childbearing years. One out of every 10 women has PCOS.
PCOS may affect your ovulation, or ability to release an egg, due to the hormonal imbalances. PCOS may also cause you to develop cysts on your ovaries, which also affects egg release.
Doctors aren’t sure what causes PCOS, but getting treatment early may help improve your long-term health and prevent the development of diabetes.
In addition to reproductive hormones, PCOS also affects insulin levels, which increases your risk of developing gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
What are PCOS symptoms?
Symptoms of PCOS include:
- Long menstrual cycle, more than 35 days
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Amenorrhea: lack of menstrual bleeding
- Menorrhagia: heavy menstrual bleeding
- Growth of facial or body hair
- Severe acne
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain
- Darkening of your skin in the neck, under breasts, or groin area
Symptoms of PCOS can start during puberty as soon as you begin menstruation. If you’re experiencing two or more PCOS symptoms, you may want to come in and see the PCOS experts at Capital Women’s Care.
How is PCOS managed?
The team at Capital Women’s Care use a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to help you manage PCOS.
If you're carrying excess weight, losing as little as 5% of your current weight may improve your symptoms. Consuming a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and getting regular exercise may help you achieve your weight goals. Weight loss may also help the medication work better.
The team at Capital Women’s Care use Clomid, metformin, or letrozole to help regulate ovulation. Birth control may also be prescribed to improve menstrual regularity.
Can PCOS affect my ability to get pregnant?
Because of the effects on your ovulation and hormone levels, PCOS may affect fertility. However, taking steps to get treatment for your PCOS early may increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Once pregnant, it’s important to get regular OB/GYN care to monitor for complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
If you’re experiencing PCOS-like symptoms or have been diagnosed with PCOS, call the office or book an appointment online for an evaluation and treatment plan.
