Living With PCOS

Often when women experience fluctuating hormones — think puberty, menstruation, childbirth. menopause — it can bring about other symptoms. Depending on the various levels and the specific hormones at play, you might feel moody, depressed, or irritable. You might have hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness. All women go through different stages of life and experience these symptoms accordingly. But when you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it’s not a phase.

Our team of reproductive specialists at University Reproductive Associates meets many women throughout New Jersey experiencing PCOS and helps manage their symptoms. Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy, we can help you achieve your life and health goals with a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique set of symptoms.

If you’re one of the five million women in the United States experiencing fertility problems or any of the other symptoms common to PCOS, we encourage you to come in and see us as soon as possible so we can start working together on a plan. Meanwhile, here are some helpful tips for living with the challenges of PCOS.

Manage your weight

Weight and PCOS seem to go hand in hand — or perhaps “vicious cycle” is a more accurate description. One of the classic symptoms of PCOS is weight gain, and in turn, weight gain exacerbates your PCOS. That’s why it’s important to get a handle on your weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. You can’t control everything about PCOS, so take advantage of the things you can influence.

Make smart choices when you shop for food, prep your meals, and order at restaurants — keep in mind that carbs, caffeine, and dairy products are notorious PCOS enemies. And choose physical activities that you enjoy over those that feel like a chore.

See a specialist

PCOS is a condition that requires the care of a highly trained professional. Here at University Reproductive Associates, you have access to seven of the country’s leading endocrinologists who specialize in women’s health issues.

PCOS is not your run-of-the-mill, average issue that your family doctor can treat. When you have PCOS, your body is producing too many male hormones called androgens. It causes your ovaries to either make multiple immature egg follicles each month or none at all. The result is irregular periods and a laundry list of other symptoms and possible complications. Make sure you choose a provider who specializes in the unique challenges of PCOS to give yourself every advantage for fertility and health.

Watch out for diabetes

Although the cause of PCOS is not known, there may be a link to excess insulin, which may occur if you’re insulin resistant or diabetic. So make sure you get your blood glucose checked regularly. By the way, fiber helps balance blood sugar, so plan your diet accordingly.

Treat cosmetic symptoms as they come

Not every woman with PCOS experiences the same symptoms as the next, but some seem to be more prevalent than others. Because androgens are male hormones, you may notice some outward signs of this hormonal imbalance. Although they are not dangerous, they may cause you to become self-conscious. Most can be treated on an individual basis. Here are some of the more common symptoms:

Dark skin patches
Skin tags
Acne
Oily skin
Thinning hair
Facial hair growth

If you experience any of these symptoms and find that they bother you, consult a qualified dermatologist or aesthetician. Meanwhile, we keep working with you to keep your hormones balanced so these symptoms will resolve on their own.

Addressing fertility

Because PCOS causes irregular ovulation, getting pregnant can be tricky — but not impossible. In some cases, we can prescribe medication to stimulate ovulation to give your body the boost it needs. If that doesn’t work for you, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be the answer.

Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Our team is renowned for our success in helping women overcome the obstacles to pregnancy.

Educate yourself and your partner about PCOS

Regardless of how your PCOS affects your life, you can bet there will be some difficult days, even if you do your best to manage the symptoms. The more you know about what to expect, the better you’ll be able to cope.

The same goes for your partner and those close to you. For many women, PCOS feels like chronic PMS. Supportive friends and family can make living with PCOS much easier.

If you have PCOS or think you might, don’t suffer through it. Get informed and a treatment plan by scheduling a consultation with one of our specialists today. Call any of our three locations or book a new-patient appointment with our online tool.