Do you live with irregular periods, acne and skin discoloration, unusual hair growth, and weight gain? You could be living be Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, commonly referred to as PCOS.

PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal disorder which affects up to 15% of women. A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to PCOS. As with any syndrome, not every woman with PCOS will experience it in the same way, but it is characterized by a core group of symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Irregularities in menstrual cycles
• Pelvic pain typically caused by ovarian cysts
• High androgen levels
• Lack of ovulation
• Trouble conceiving
• Excess hair growth
• Acne
• Trouble regulating weight / obesity
• Discoloration or darkening of skin

While there is no cure for PCOS it can be managed with lifestyle changes and help from your physician.

“Kettering Health offers a comprehensive treatment approach to PCOS including medication to address hormone imbalances, skin care specialists, sleep medicine, and a nutrition and exercise team,” says Dr. Michael McCullough, OB-GYN. “Whether you are in your teens, trying to start a family, or beyond child bearing age, our specialists will create a personalized treatment plan just for you.”

Treatment Options:

• Individualized or group classes on lifestyle modifications and personalized exercise regimens
• Metabolic evaluations and coaching from exercise and nutrition specialists on how to maximize your metabolism
• Management of skin conditions such as acne and excess hair growth
• Medication management of metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, which can cause weight gain and difficulty losing weight
• Sleep medicine evaluation when appropriate