Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition affecting hormone production in women, which can lead to problems with fertility. Carolyn Kaplan, MD, of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Group in Atlanta, is a highly qualified and experienced reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in helping people who are experiencing problems with PCOS . To find out more about PCOS and how Dr. Kaplan can help you, call the clinic today, or book an appointment online.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that disrupts hormone production, and it affects between 5 and 10% of women during their reproductive years. PCOS usually develops during puberty, when girls typically experience symptoms such as:
PCOS can cause infertility, with almost half of women treated for fertility problems receiving a diagnosis of PCOS. If women with PCOS do become pregnant, the rate of miscarriage in the first trimester can be up to 50%. If left untreated, women with PCOS are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and uterine cancer.
The precise reason why some women develop PCOS is unclear, although it tends to run in families. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an excess of the male hormone (androgen) testosterone in their bodies, a result of insulin resistance that causes the ovaries to increase production of androgen.
High levels of androgen are responsible for the common PCOS symptoms and may even cause male pattern hair loss, in addition to lowering levels of good cholesterol and raising levels of unhealthy cholesterol and affecting blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
PCOS is a complex problem that requires specialist treatment. As a reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Kaplan is ideally placed to provide the most effective treatments and restore your fertility. She aims to normalize hormone levels in your body with a combination of approaches that include:
Medication for PCOS includes insulin-sensitizers and ovulation stimulants, but lifestyle changes and mind-body medicine are key to recovery from PCOS, for example:
Dr. Kaplan is continually monitoring the findings of research into potential new treatments for PCOS, integrating proven methodologies into her treatment programs so you can be sure you’re receiving the most up-to-date and effective treatments available. If you have symptoms of PCOS or aren’t improving with your current treatment, Dr. Kaplan can help. Call Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Group today, or book an appointment online.
