PCOS Treatment Options: Managing Symptoms & Improving Fertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect many aspects of a woman’s health. It may influence hormone levels, menstrual cycles, metabolism, skin health, weight, and fertility. Some women experience several noticeable symptoms, while others may not realize they have PCOS until they begin having difficulty becoming pregnant. PCOS is also a common cause of infertility related to irregular or absent ovulation.

At Audubon Women’s Medical Associates, PC, we understand that every patient’s experience with PCOS is different. That is why PCOS treatment should be personalized according to your symptoms, overall health, and plans for a future pregnancy. There is no single treatment plan that is appropriate for everyone.

Common PCOS Symptoms

PCOS can cause a variety of symptoms, and they can change over time. Some of the most common concerns include:

• Irregular, infrequent, or missed menstrual cycles
• Hormonal imbalances, including elevated androgen levels
• Persistent acne or other skin changes
• Weight gain or difficulty managing weight
• Difficulty ovulating or becoming pregnant

Because these symptoms can have more than one possible cause, receiving a proper evaluation is important before beginning treatment. PCOS is diagnosed by considering a patient's symptoms and other clinical findings, and an evaluation can also help determine whether another health condition may be contributing to menstrual or hormonal changes.

If you are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with PCOS, our female OBGYN providers can help evaluate your concerns and discuss the next steps. Learn more about our approach to PCOS treatment.

PCOS Treatment Options

The right PCOS treatment depends on which symptoms are affecting you, your overall health, and whether becoming pregnant is currently one of your goals. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of approaches.

At Audubon Women’s Medical Associates, PC, our approach may include:

Diet and Lifestyle Counseling

Healthy lifestyle habits can be an important part of managing PCOS, particularly for patients experiencing metabolic concerns or weight changes. Nutrition, regular physical activity, and other sustainable lifestyle changes may support overall health and can help some patients manage PCOS symptoms.

We work with our patients to identify practical changes that fit their individual health needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hormone Management

Hormonal imbalances can contribute to many PCOS symptoms. Depending on your medical history, symptoms, and reproductive plans, hormone management may be considered to help address specific concerns.

Because some treatments that manage PCOS symptoms can also affect pregnancy or may not be appropriate when trying to conceive, discussing your fertility plans with your provider is an important part of choosing treatment.

Menstrual Regulation

Irregular periods are one of the most common signs of PCOS. For patients who experience infrequent, unpredictable, or missed periods, treatment may focus on regulating the menstrual cycle and addressing the underlying hormonal concerns contributing to irregular menstruation.

Individualized PCOS Care

PCOS can affect patients in very different ways. One person may be most concerned about irregular periods or acne, while another may be focused on weight changes, hormone management, or fertility.

We personalize treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, current health, and long-term goals. Our broader Services & Treatment options allow us to support women through many different stages of reproductive health. Audubon’s current PCOS services include diet and lifestyle counseling, hormone management, menstrual regulation, and family-planning support.

PCOS and Fertility

PCOS can make becoming pregnant more difficult for some women because the condition commonly interferes with regular ovulation. When ovulation occurs infrequently or unpredictably, determining the most fertile time of the menstrual cycle can become more challenging. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility associated with anovulation, or the absence of ovulation.

Having PCOS, however, does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. The appropriate next steps depend on your individual circumstances, which is why discussing pregnancy goals early can be valuable.

For patients who hope to become pregnant now or in the future, we can incorporate family planning into the PCOS treatment conversation. At Audubon Women’s Medical Associates, PC, our services include infertility evaluation and treatment as well as pre-conception counseling.

These services can be an important starting point when considering women’s fertility treatments. An evaluation can help determine whether irregular ovulation related to PCOS may be contributing to difficulty conceiving and whether other fertility factors should also be considered. Before beginning infertility treatment associated with PCOS, other possible causes of infertility should be evaluated as appropriate.

Pre-conception counseling also gives you an opportunity to discuss your health before pregnancy, review current medications or treatments, and develop a plan that reflects your reproductive goals.

When to Talk to Your OBGYN

Occasional menstrual changes can happen for many reasons, but persistent irregular periods, missed periods, or other concerning symptoms deserve a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you are experiencing ongoing concerns such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, unexplained weight changes, signs of hormonal imbalance, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Getting evaluated can help identify what may be causing your symptoms and allow you and your provider to develop an appropriate care plan.

If pregnancy is a priority, it can also be helpful to discuss your fertility goals early. Some PCOS treatments are selected differently depending on whether you are currently trying to conceive, planning a pregnancy later, or not planning a pregnancy.

At Audubon Women’s Medical Associates, PC, our female OBGYN team provides personalized care for women throughout Amherst, Buffalo, NY, and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to help you understand your options and choose an approach that supports both your current health and your future plans. Audubon currently provides PCOS treatment along with infertility evaluation and treatment and pre-conception counseling.

Find the Right PCOS Treatment for You

You do not have to navigate PCOS symptoms or fertility concerns without guidance. Whether you are dealing with irregular periods, hormonal changes, questions about fertility, or several PCOS symptoms at once, we can help you better understand your options.

Contact Audubon Women’s Medical Associates, PC to schedule an appointment and talk with our female OBGYN team about PCOS treatment, fertility concerns, and a care plan designed around your individual health goals.