Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment in Chicago, IL
We Are Your Local Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Specialists
Women throughout Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area trust the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) specialists at Reproductive Medicine Institute to diagnose and treat their condition. We have been operating in the area since 2008, and our fertility doctors have decades’ worth of collective experience. Our team is committed to treating a wide range of fertility and women’s health issues using state-of-the-art technology and the latest medical innovations. We have five convenient locations in the Greater Chicago Area to serve you. If you have PCOS, call us today to learn more about the condition and ways we can treat it.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is an endocrine disorder in women who are of reproductive age. It affects between 5% and 10% of the female population. Typically, the chronic condition causes higher-than-normal levels of androgen hormones like testosterone. Because resulting hormonal imbalances disrupt or prevent regular ovulation, PCOS can make it difficult for women to conceive. Reproductive Medicine Institute has assisted patients with this condition for years. We can quickly identify symptoms of PCOS and provide treatment plans to help minimize the disease’s consequences.
Recognizing Symptoms of PCOS
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Most women experience at least two of the following: irregular menstrual cycles, clinical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the appearance of polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound. As many as one in five women without the condition will have polycystic-appearing ovaries on an ultrasound. Other symptoms of PCOS include:
Acne
Balding or thinning hair
Depression or anxiety
Increased hair growth on the face or chest
Patches of darkened skin
Skin tags
Weight gain
Understanding What Causes PCOS
Doctors do not yet know the exact cause of PCOS. However, there is an array of potential causes and characteristics, such as:
Excess Androgen
Women whose ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen are at risk of PCOS.
Excess Insulin
An abundance of insulin can increase androgen production, resulting in difficulty with ovulation.
Low-Grade Inflammation
Studies show that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, which stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.
Heredity
Congenital factors may contribute to PCOS.
How We Diagnose PCOS
The specialists at Reproductive Medicine Institute will conduct a thorough physical exam before diagnosing PCOS. Its diagnosis is usually one of exclusion, meaning all other causes for the symptoms should be excluded. Therefore, we will assess your menstrual calendar, look for evidence of elevated androgen levels, and use an ultrasound to check for the appearance of polycystic ovaries. If you exhibit at least two of the three, we will develop a treatment plan that addresses your issues and improves your ability to conceive a child.
Our PCOS Treatment Options
Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, depression, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Any treatment plan will include regular screenings for each of these conditions to help maintain your health. PCOS treatment plans emphasize managing individual concerns. Our fertility specialists may recommend:
Lifestyle Changes
Beginning a diet and exercise regimen may help minimize your symptoms while also increasing the effectiveness of medications.
Medications
We will prescribe medications such as combination birth control pills and progestin therapy to regulate your menstrual cycle. If you are trying to conceive, we may prescribe clomiphene, letrozole, metformin, or gonadotropins.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Another way we help women with PCOS conceive is through in vitro fertilization.
Why You Should Choose Reproductive Medicine Institute
Reproductive Medicine Institute’s specialists share the common goal of catering to patients’ health and fertility needs. We have decades’ worth of combined experience, and we are confident we can quickly diagnose and treat PCOS so that you can achieve your personal goals, regardless of whether they are conception or improved health. Our team uses state-of-the-art technology, so you can rest assured knowing you are getting the most effective treatment available. We also offer financial solutions to help you throughout the process.
Contact Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago
If you want compassionate care as you navigate your fertility journey, look no further than Reproductive Medicine Institute. We provide a wide range of fertility treatments and procedures, and we specialize in diagnosing and treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We have five convenient locations throughout the Greater Chicago area to serve you, so contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Have more questions? Speak with an RMI team member.
