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PCOS Specialist

Women's Health of Manhattan Our Services PCOS

Women's Health of Manhattan

OB-GYNs located in Upper East Side, New York, NY

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 25% of all women of childbearing age, although many people don't even realize they have the condition. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic health complications and infertility. Jennifer Wu, MD, and Adam Romoff, MD, and the experienced team at Women's Health of Manhattan diagnose and manage the symptoms of PCOS to give you a greater chance of conceiving. Schedule a PCOS consultation at the office on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Call the practice today or book through this website.

PCOS Q & A

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting the ovaries. The ovaries are female reproductive organs. They produce estrogen, progesterone, and a small number of male hormones called androgens. Untreated PCOS can lead to the following:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Infertility
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Sleep apnea
  • Depression

PCOS is common, affecting between 2 and 26% of all women of childbearing age (15-44 years). The exact figures are unknown because many women have PCOS without knowing it. In one study, 70% of women with PCOS were undiagnosed.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Some women experience PCOS symptoms from their first period. In others, it goes undetected for some years until a more obvious event, such as finding it difficult to conceive or significant weight gain, leads to its discovery. PCOS symptoms include:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Irregular periods
  • Weight gain
  • Acne
  • Thinning hair or baldness
  • Excess hair growth on the face and body
  • Headaches

These symptoms are due to excess male hormone production and because PCOS affects the menstrual cycle. If you experience any of them, see your provider at Women's Health of Manhattan.

What causes PCOS?

No one's entirely sure what causes PCOS, although doctors believe several factors put you more at risk of developing it.

Excess insulin

Your pancreas produces the hormone insulin to turn sugar into energy. Up to 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning your insulin is no longer effective, causing blood sugar levels to rise and your body to produce more insulin as a result. This excess insulin can increase androgen production.

Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when the body's white blood cells and the substances they make fight infection. Women with PCOS often have low-grade inflammation, which is linked to androgen production.

Genes

PCOS tends to run in families, although it appears that the condition depends on several genes, not just one.

The providers at Women's Health of Manhattan have extensive training in PCOS and create an individualized treatment program for each woman diagnosed with the syndrome.

What is the treatment for PCOS?

There is no cure for PCOS, but your provider at Women's Health of Manhattan helps you manage your symptoms. Your treatment program may include any or several of the following:

  • Birth control
  • Diabetes medication
  • Fertility drugs
  • Hair removal medication or laser hair removal
  • Surgery

Call Women's Health of Manhattan today to schedule a PCOS consultation or book online.

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