PCOS Specialist
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Karen F. Brodman, MD, PLLC
Gynecologist located in Upper West Side, New York, NY
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects as many as five million women in the United States during their reproductive years. At the office of Karen F. Brodman, MD, board-certified gynecologist Karen Brodman, MD, provides diagnostic testing and treatment services to address the side effects PCOS causes, including infertility. Dr. Brodman customizes a treatment plan to regulate your periods and treat acne, weight gain, thinning hair, and other complications of PCOS. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for PCOS symptoms online or call the office on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York, today.
PCOS Q & A
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where your ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens.
Androgens are male sex hormones that are present in smaller amounts in women. High androgen levels can cause fluid-filled sacs (cysts) to develop in your ovaries. You may also be at risk for other symptoms that affect your physical and reproductive health.
The underlying cause of PCOS isn’t well understood. There may be a connection between PCOS and insulin resistance, a condition where insulin hormone levels build up in your body and trigger the production of excess androgens.
Your risk for PCOS may be higher if your mother or sister has the condition or if you have weight challenges.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS can differ from woman to woman. You may experience missed or irregular periods or notice that your periods are much lighter.
Other common symptoms of PCOS can include:
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Skin tags
- Excess body hair
- Thinning hair
- Male-pattern baldness
- Dark skin patches in the armpits or under the breasts
Some women with PCOS also experience infertility and find it difficult to become pregnant because of the disruption in ovulation.
If you have any symptoms of PCOS, Dr. Brodman recommends that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation. She offers on-site blood testing to check your androgen levels and ultrasound imaging to evaluate the structure of your ovaries.
How is PCOS treated?
Your treatment plan for PCOS depends on several factors, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your existing health.
Initially, you may benefit from diet changes and an increase in daily exercise to help you maintain a healthy weight.
If you wish to become pregnant, Dr. Brodman may prescribe medications that stimulate ovulation, so your ovaries will release eggs for fertilization. If you don’t want to become pregnant, you may benefit from birth control pills that regulate your periods and lower your androgen levels.
Dr. Brodman continues to monitor your condition and changes your treatment plan as needed.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for PCOS symptoms, call the office of Karen F. Brodman, MD, today or book an appointment online.
