A Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) specialist confirms the diagnosis of PCOS and checks for hormone problems or low egg supply. Semen analysis and a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to check for blocked tubes are good tests to do as well. Treatment may start with metformin (insulin sensitizers) with or without ovulation inducing tablets like Clomid or… Read More

With PCOS the ovaries produce excess male-type hormones (androgens) like testosterone, which cause unwanted hair growth (especially in the midline of the body like the face or lower stomach) and sometimes male-pattern hair loss. If not trying to conceive birth control pills are often used to lower androgens, sometimes with anti-androgens like spironolactone as well… Read More

It depends on if you’re trying to conceive or not? If not trying to conceive birth control pills are often used, sometimes with anti-androgens like spironolactone as well to decrease acne/hair growth more than birth control pills alone. If trying to conceive we use insulin sensitizers like metformin, plus ovulation-inducing tablets – most commonly Clomid… Read More

Most women with PCOS have one or more of: irregular periods or no cycles, acne, oily skin, unwanted hair growth especially on the face or lower stomach, infertility or subfertility (difficulty getting pregnant). Some women with PCOS have little or no symptoms – we look at symptoms, blood tests and an ultrasound of the ovaries… Read More

PCOS has a genetic component; we don’t know all the genes yet – and is influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle including obesity and activity levels. Insulin resistance / ‘pre-diabetes’ may be the first thing that ‘goes wrong’ in PCOS. The closest we have to treating the cause is losing weight, with a moderately low-carbohydrate… Read More