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How Do Gynecologists Check for PCOS?

5 mins read

PCOS is a common and frustrating women’s health concern. Symptoms can be very general or confusing, so checking for this condition can be difficult. While it can be hard to diagnose, it is estimated to affect 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age and can even affect young women as early as their first period.

 

So, if you are suffering from symptoms of PCOS, know that you are not alone!

 

Speak with your healthcare provider at Great City Medical if you are concerned you might have PCOS. But first, to help answer some of the health questions you may have, here is some information about PCOS and how it is diagnosed and treated.

 

What is PCOS?

What is PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in females caused by an imbalance of sex hormones. The disorder causes many small sacs of fluid, called cysts, to form on the ovaries. The cysts can be filled with immature eggs, preventing them from being released during ovulation in a regular menstrual cycle.

 

Therefore, common symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, long-lasting menstrual cycles, and infertility. Other common symptoms include unwanted hair growth including facial hair (also known as hirsutism), male pattern baldness or hair loss, acne, obesity, painful periods, abdominal bloating, and high levels of androgen (also known as “male hormones” but women also have them).

 

PCOS can be diagnosed at any age. Signs of PCOS can be apparent around a person’s first menstrual period, or they can first appear later in life.

 

Can a gynecologist check for PCOS?

Can a gynecologist check for PCOS

Yes, a gynecologist can help you determine if you have PCOS. If you are concerned you might have PCOS or if you have any questions about the disorder, you can ask your ob/GYN at your next visit.

 

Unfortunately, there is not just a single test for the diagnosis of PCOS. A diagnosis can sometimes take many tests and may also require a referral to an endocrinologist (a hormone specialist). That said, talking to your obstetrics and gynecology provider is a great place to start.

 

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

How is PCOS Diagnosed

To evaluate you for PCOS, your healthcare provider may start by asking you questions about your medical history. They’ll want to know more about your menstrual cycles, any symptoms you’ve experienced, if you’ve had any weight gain, any medications you are taking, any diagnosed medical conditions, and any family history of hormonal disorders.

 

Next, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam. The physical exam includes checking for signs of excess body hair growth or acne, and measuring metrics like your blood pressure and body mass index. A physical exam also includes a pelvic exam, where the doctor will apply pressure to the interior and exterior of the pelvic area to check your reproductive organs for any masses, growths, or abnormalities. If further physical examination is required, a transvaginal ultrasound can be used to examine the interior of the uterus, endometrium, and ovaries for any ovarian cysts or other signs of PCOS.

 

Blood tests are also commonly used to diagnose PCOS. Blood tests are used to check hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone, androgen) and insulin resistance (glucose or blood sugar levels).

 

For PCOS to be diagnosed, your doctor must detect three conditions:

  • Menstrual cycle irregularies
  • High levels of androgens
  • Growths or enlargement of the ovaries

 

What are other complications of PCOS?

PCOS can increase your risk for other related health conditions, including thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, metabolic disorders, infertility, and more.

 

Obesity does not directly cause PCOS, but it has been shown to worsen the symptoms of PCOS, such as insulin sensitivity. Therefore, lifestyle changes and weight loss may help reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

 

PCOS can manifest in many ways and affect your overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to speak with a doctor to receive a diagnosis and medical treatment for PCOS so that you can take control of your overall health.

 

How is PCOS treated?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for PCOS. However, there are many solutions to treat the symptoms of PCOS and lessen the severity of the disorder. The appropriate treatment for PCOS depends on which symptoms are your primary concern.

 

If regulating your period is a primary concern, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control pills or progestin therapy.

 

If infertility is your primary concern, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as Clomiphene, Letrozole, Metformin, or Gonadotropins to help you ovulate and become pregnant. In Vitro fertilization (IVF) can also be effective for some patients with PCOS.

 

If unwanted hair growth and acne are your primary concerns, hormonal birth control pills, acne medications, or androgen-blocking medications or creams can be effective. While often temporary, hair removal treatments can also help with these symptoms.

Other effective treatments also include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising more often, getting high-quality sleep, and losing weight.

 

Later in life, menopause has been shown to help balance hormone levels and reduce the severity of PCOS symptoms.

 

Things to consider with PCOS and hormonal birth control

If you are currently taking hormonal birth control, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), it can be hard to accurately measure your body’s natural hormone levels. Hormonal birth control can also cause light or infrequent periods. This can make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose PCOS accurately.

 

Therefore, you may be required to stop taking any hormonal birth control for several months if you think you might have PCOS. That way your doctor can routinely and accurately monitor your hormone levels and menstrual period cycle.

 

Of course, birth control pills are a common treatment for PCOS symptoms, so your doctor may ultimately re-prescribe this medication if you are ultimately diagnosed.

 

Make an appointment with your ob/GYN today

We take women’s health issues like PCOS seriously at Great City Medical. We understand that PCOS symptoms and diagnosis can be a long, frustrating journey.

But don’t worry—our trained medical professionals are here to help you get the answers you need so that you can look and feel your best.

Call our New York City gynecologist offices today to make an appointment to speak with our health professionals.

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Testimonials

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Ana Martinez C.
Ana Martinez C.
18:38 07 Oct 24
Cerca a casa y el personal fantástico muy amable
Olga lucía Bastidas H.
Olga lucía Bastidas H.
22:20 01 Oct 24
Son unas personas muy profesionales y tienen un carisma único te encuentran muy amables y si tienes alguna inquietud te respondo con ese profesionalismo único q las caracterizan gracias ..
fanny R.
fanny R.
19:31 24 Sep 24
Súper confortable and the stuff very sweet and professional!!
Elizabeth C.
Elizabeth C.
19:13 24 Sep 24
Starting from front desk very professional ladies Excellent thenTiffany very sweet I had so much anxiety & after I spoke w her I took a few deep breaths & I felt very comfortable she actually made me feel so comfortable thanks TiffanyThen Doctor Tsyba wow I couldn’t believe I didn’t feel a thing I was relaxed & she was great & then Patty sonogram very professional they all answered all my questions they’re great then I went to do blood work & the lady (I didn’t get her name) very professional.. when I encounter a place w such professionalism it makes me wanna Bragg to all females in my life Want great care, professionalism & feel comfy go to GREAT CITY MEDICAL these ladies do their job w a smile can’t wait to go back THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOUR EXCELLENT WORK🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹MARY DIAZ8/29/24 Still as great as the first time I went different location but is great same place as my Reumothoid arthritis doctor I love my Dr all these hardworking ladies give their all & I’m super Satisfied we this place….
Ivy Deborah (.
Ivy Deborah (.
02:16 30 Aug 24
Great service!
Thais O.
Thais O.
14:42 23 Aug 24
DR TYSBA IS THE BEST GYN IN THE WORLD. I HAVE BEEN TO A LOT WITHIN MY 50 YEARS AND SHES TOP NOTCH!
Shay H.
Shay H.
19:09 22 Aug 24
Very nice always very professional
Madeline C.
Madeline C.
18:11 06 Aug 24
La atención de primera recomendado
Martha F.
Martha F.
21:16 30 Jul 24
Muy buena atención. Lo recomiendo muchísimo. Se puede conversar muy fácilmente con la ginecóloga. Las chicas del staff súper amables.
Kelly S.
Kelly S.
19:52 30 Jul 24
My visit was very quick for the first time I didn’t have to wait,
Monìque
Monìque
18:45 26 Jul 24
Very Nice Visit
gina G.
gina G.
18:09 24 Jul 24
Excellente servicio, buena comunicación con el paciente, todo el personal fue muy profesional.
Elsa A.
Elsa A.
20:04 12 Jul 24
Great and friendly staff my GYN Dr. is very caring I’ve been going to her since 2016..
Josephine S.
Josephine S.
20:10 09 Jul 24
Excelente
Arabesca De La C.
Arabesca De La C.
01:31 02 Jul 24
Me encanta, la doctora es un ángel,,y todas la nena del frente,,son muy amable y muy simpático y muy profesionales💯💯💯💕💕😻😻😻
Yaskana V.
Yaskana V.
18:51 27 Jun 24
El personal siempre es muy atento y servicial! Gracias por su cuidado!👌🏾
Ian S.
Ian S.
20:02 19 Jun 24
Excelente servicio de todo el personal .la doctora yelena es muy buena ,se dedica con amor y apollo a sus pacientes
Yusleini A.
Yusleini A.
19:52 19 Jun 24
The entire staff was very warm and friendly. I really liked the doctor. I will definitely be returning.
Kaye R.
Kaye R.
23:35 13 Jun 24
Elena Tsyba is a great specialist! All personal was very nice!! Thank you.
Anastasiia N.
Anastasiia N.
17:02 13 Jun 24
Thank you,every thing was good the doctor was very friendly and helpful the staff was very polite and friendly .good experience
Ibtissem H B.
Ibtissem H B.
21:08 10 Jun 24
Excellent doctors and all their team.
Marlenny A.
Marlenny A.
15:12 07 Jun 24
Excellent service it’s a lot better than what it used to be and I am grateful for that.. doctor is wonderful.. and the PCA’s that work there are the best all of the women are caring and patient.. they make you feel welcomed.. Dr Marly Granna is the best .. you don’t meet doctors like her anymore these days 🙇‍♂️🙏
Thomas R.
Thomas R.
17:35 04 Jun 24
This place is amazing because of the ladies and doctors that work there. They are an amazing group of people! They are professional, friendly and courteous! I reccomend this clinic to everyone, great place and convenient.To all the staff; thank you for all the hard work that you do!
Elizabeth H.
Elizabeth H.
16:36 17 May 24
I was seen by Dr Marley Grana gentle, attentive listener and warm. Coupled with her knowledge and ability to explain in simple language so that you understand. I would recommend her to anyone.
Carol D.
Carol D.
16:27 17 May 24
Excellent condition and service the nurses and the staff are very friendly and helpful and the doctor are great
Pauline H.
Pauline H.
19:07 08 May 24
Very efficient…smooth and timely service.The staff was very Professional. I would Recommend this place for GC Medical over another in New York
Von D.
Von D.
21:27 06 May 24
I have been through a lot and not been able to care for myself for a while. Today I saw my doctor and was able to get the care started that I need. The staff made me feel human and even moved my appointment up to see me sooner. Great City Medical thank you and God bless you all.
Chele From The Block (.
Chele From The Block (.
18:03 01 May 24
Exelente como siempre
Vicky I.
Vicky I.
16:49 01 May 24
I love my GYN and her staff
Elsy C.
Elsy C.
16:13 23 Apr 24
Great City Medical you are the bestest best.. Your staff is excellent …Thank you each & everyone for your kind patience ✨️ 💛 mucho ❤️…
Tyra S.
Tyra S.
20:26 17 Apr 24
The stuff was extremely friendly and polite. One of the nicest experiences I had in a medical office.
Anna P.
Anna P.
19:50 17 Apr 24
Great Service
Claudia T.
Claudia T.
20:37 16 Apr 24
My experience has been getting better over the years I’ve been coming to this location!!
Shan S.
Shan S.
18:36 11 Apr 24
Muy buen servicio
Charley B.
Charley B.
17:49 09 Apr 24
Their professionalism makes for a pleasant, medical experience.Grateful to have Dr. Grana, as my primary care physician.
rockerto video R.
rockerto video R.
12:58 04 Apr 24
Clean 🧽 and fresh clinicPoliteness of each employee toward each other and respectability for patientsShort and brief application for new patient
Maria M.
Maria M.
22:57 27 Mar 24
Always a good service and kind people over there. I have been going to there for over 5 years and I had good service with good doctors. Thank you for all the staff.
Yaneth P.
Yaneth P.
18:52 27 Mar 24
My first time at this location, availability is always open. Staff and doctor were very pleasant and attentive. Sign- in was quick and easy! If your looking for a gynecologist this is your place.
Jennifer P.
Jennifer P.
15:45 27 Mar 24
A very friendly and attentive staff. Everything was practical and quick. Affordable prices. I’ll definitely be back for more procedures!
Marina P.
Marina P.
15:41 27 Mar 24
Fue un excelente servicio ☺️
Carolina M.
Carolina M.
13:27 26 Mar 24
The staff,Nursees and Doctor is of utmost professional quality and care
Charles J J.
Charles J J.
20:33 25 Mar 24
Today was my first visit to the office. All staff were very pleasant and thoughtful. The level of professionalism is top tier. I feel welcomed and secured in the knowledge given by the physicians. Looking forward to making this my forever gyn office. Definitely different from the rest!
JamilaMoneka
JamilaMoneka
20:09 25 Mar 24
DR.GRANA IS THE BEST
A Luis S.
A Luis S.
18:32 25 Mar 24
The Whole staff were friendly and very helpful, I didn’t have an appointment but they saw me the same day! From the Receptionist, nurses and Doctor… Great Job TEAM!
Raul V.
Raul V.
18:12 25 Mar 24
Muy buenos servicios, tanto en el front desk como en el personal médico . Excelente servicio, mucha amabilidad. 😍🥰
Martha F.
Martha F.
22:18 20 Mar 24
Le doy la Gracias a Dios por a verlo encontrado es la mejor Ginecologa que conozco estoy feliz con ella mi doctora favorita Gracias 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Allalive C.
Allalive C.
17:53 14 Mar 24
Great visit with a great Doctor!She makes time to listen to my concerns and goes even further to answer all of my questions.Overall experience was 10 out of 10!!!
latia H.
latia H.
18:32 13 Mar 24
Everything was great, excellent service
Jose Luis Guerrero G.
Jose Luis Guerrero G.
19:46 06 Mar 24
Great place Dr is very informative and the service is superb they don’t have you waiting for hour’s
Beth H.
Beth H.
23:55 04 Mar 24
Great Doctor and staff
Diana G.
Diana G.
23:15 04 Mar 24
U the best
Tukoy G.
Tukoy G.
17:55 28 Feb 24
Pricing reasonable & appointments quick.
Yolande M.
Yolande M.
22:15 26 Feb 24
It’s good all over and everyone is helpful
Ranjana T.
Ranjana T.
20:01 22 Feb 24
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