Understanding PCOS, and taking back control.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone conditions in women. It can affect your periods, skin, weight, fertility and long-term health. The good news: it is very manageable, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
- How common About 1 in 10 women
- Most common sign Irregular or missed periods
- Diagnosis Your history, an exam and blood tests
- Treatment Very manageable, with a plan built for you
A hormone imbalance, not just an ovary problem
With PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens (male-type hormones) than usual, and ovulation doesn’t happen regularly. Insulin resistance often plays a part. You are diagnosed with PCOS when you have at least 2 of these 3 signs, and other causes have been ruled out.
Irregular periods
Periods that come far apart, are unpredictable or stop for months, because ovulation doesn’t happen regularly.
Higher androgen levels
Signs such as extra facial or body hair, acne or thinning scalp hair, or high testosterone on a blood test.
Ovaries with many follicles
Many small follicles seen on ultrasound. In adults, a high AMH blood test can be used instead.
Signs that may point to PCOS
PCOS looks different for everyone. You may have a few of these signs or many. If any sound familiar, it’s worth a conversation.
- Irregular or missed periods Fewer than 8 periods a year, very long cycles, or periods that stop for months.
- Extra hair growth Darker, thicker hair on the face, chest, belly or back.
- Acne and oily skin Breakouts that last past the teen years or don’t respond to usual treatment.
- Thinning hair on the scalp Hair loss near the top of the head.
- Weight changes Gaining weight easily, especially around the middle, or having a hard time losing it.
- Darker skin patches Velvety, darker skin on the neck, underarms or groin, a sign of insulin resistance.
- Trouble getting pregnant PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, and it is very treatable.
- Mood changes Anxiety and depression are more common with PCOS. They deserve care too.
How we diagnose PCOS
There isn’t a single test for PCOS. We put the pieces together, and make sure nothing else is causing your symptoms.
Talk
We review your periods, symptoms, weight changes and family history.
Exam
Your blood pressure, weight and a check for skin and hair changes.
Blood work
Our PCOS panel checks your hormones and rules out other causes.
Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound to look at your ovaries and uterine lining, if needed.
The blood tests in our PCOS panel
Our PCOS panel measures the hormones linked to PCOS and checks for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. It takes one blood draw.
| Test | Checks | Why it’s included |
|---|---|---|
| AMHAnti-Müllerian hormone | Ovarian follicles | Reflects the number of small follicles in your ovaries. It is often higher with PCOS and, in adults, can be used instead of an ultrasound to help confirm the diagnosis. |
| FSHFollicle-stimulating hormone | How your ovaries are working | A hormone that tells your ovaries to grow and release eggs. It helps us understand irregular periods and rule out other causes. |
| TSH and free T4Thyroid tests | Thyroid function | Thyroid problems can cause irregular periods and weight changes that look like PCOS, so we check your thyroid first. |
| Prolactin | Rules out another cause | High prolactin can make periods irregular or stop. Checking it helps make sure your symptoms are really from PCOS. |
| TestosteroneFree and total | Androgen levels | Measures male-type hormones that all women have in small amounts. Higher levels are a key sign of PCOS. |
| InsulinFasting | Insulin resistance | Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which raises the risk of diabetes. This test is done after fasting. |
Please fast before your blood draw. The insulin test needs to be done on an empty stomach. We’ll give you instructions when you schedule.
A plan built around your goals
Treatment depends on what matters most to you right now, whether that’s regular periods, clearer skin, managing weight or getting pregnant.
Healthy habits
The foundation
- Balanced meals and regular activity help every PCOS symptom
- Losing even 5 to 10 percent of body weight can help regulate periods
- Good sleep and stress management matter too
Regular periods
Hormonal birth control
- Birth control pills, the patch or the ring can make periods regular
- They can also improve acne and extra hair growth
- Regular periods protect the lining of your uterus
Insulin resistance
Metformin
- Helps your body use insulin better
- May help regulate periods and lower diabetes risk
- Often used alongside healthy habits
Skin and hair
Symptom relief
- Medicines such as spironolactone can reduce extra hair and acne
- Acne treatments and hair removal options can help
- Not for use if you could become pregnant without birth control
Planning a pregnancy
Fertility care
- Medicines like letrozole can help you ovulate
- We’ll track your cycles and guide you step by step
- Many women with PCOS go on to have healthy pregnancies
Emotional health
Whole-person care
- Living with PCOS can be frustrating, and you’re not alone
- Tell us if you feel anxious, down or stressed about your body
- Support and counseling can make a real difference
PCOS is about more than periods.
PCOS can affect your health for years, even after menopause. Regular checkups help us catch changes early, when they’re easiest to manage.
We also keep an eye on:
- Sleep apnea, especially if you snore or wake up tired
- Anxiety and depression
- Changes in weight and blood pressure
Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance raises the risk of prediabetes and diabetes, even at a healthy weight.
- We check Blood sugar with an A1C or glucose test
- You can Stay active and choose balanced meals
Heart health
PCOS can raise cholesterol and blood pressure over time.
- We check Blood pressure at every visit and cholesterol with a lipid panel
- You can Skip smoking and keep moving
The uterine lining
Without regular periods, the lining of the uterus can build up, which raises the risk of endometrial cancer.
- We help With treatment that brings on regular periods
- Tell us About heavy, long or very infrequent bleeding
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question here? Call us at 770-451-3100 and we’ll be glad to help.
Can PCOS be cured?
There is no cure, but PCOS can be managed very well. With the right care, most women can control their symptoms and lower their long-term health risks.
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Yes. Many women with PCOS get pregnant, sometimes with help. Treatment to help you ovulate is often simple and effective. If you’re planning a pregnancy, talk with us early.
Do I have to have cysts on my ovaries to have PCOS?
No. Despite the name, the “cysts” are small follicles, not true cysts, and you can have PCOS without them. It is diagnosed when you have at least 2 of the 3 main signs.
Can I have PCOS if I’m not overweight?
Yes. PCOS affects women of all body sizes. Women at a healthy weight can still have irregular periods, high androgen levels and insulin resistance.
Do I need to fast before my PCOS blood work?
Yes. The insulin test in our PCOS panel is done after fasting. We’ll give you instructions when you schedule your blood draw.
Does birth control cure PCOS?
No. Birth control treats some symptoms, such as irregular periods, acne and extra hair growth, but it doesn’t change the condition itself. Your symptoms may return if you stop taking it.
Does PCOS run in families?
It often does. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you may be more likely to have it. Let us know about your family history.
Think you might have PCOS?
Let’s find answers together. Call us to schedule a visit. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.
We accept most health insurance plans in Georgia
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Mon – Fri, 8am – 4pmClosed for lunch 12:30 – 1:30