Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Program
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a lifelong disorder that is often misdiagnosed and relatively poorly understood. In fact, PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age. This condition not only affects a woman's menstrual cycle, fertility, and appearance, but also her overall health.Our goal is to help diagnose, manage, and treat this condition and reduce the lifetime health risks related to PCOS.We provide a comprehensive and individualized evaluation of each patient's unique profile and risks.
Our Approach
Our multidisciplinary team focuses on managing PCOS through a combination of metabolic need assessment, lifestyle modifications, psychological support, and medical interventions based on her individual needs. There is no single test used by doctors to diagnose PCOS. Our specialists will use a number of diagnostic tools, including medical history, Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement, ultrasound, and lab tests to determine if our patients have PCOS.
Our treatment strategies include:
- Managing irregular periods through hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options
- Managing excess hair growth, hair loss, and acne through hormonal and nonhormonal treatment options
- Managing infertility in women with PCOS
Risk reduction strategies are critically important for any women with PCOS to help reduce lifetime risks of diabetes, heart disease, depression, and uterine cancer. Our risk reduction strategies include:
- Lifestyle modification. This includes attention to diet and regular physical activity for all women with PCOS.
- Psychological support. This includes on-site consultations for pregnant women with PCOS who face a number of challenges before, during, and after their pregnancies. In addition, depression and anxiety are commonly seen in women with PCOS and seeking appropriate help is strongly encouraged.
- Uterine protection. This includes attention to irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation in women with PCOS who can be at risk for abnormalities of the uterine lining (endometrium). Polyps and hyperplasia of the endometrium cause not only heavy or irregular bleeding, but can also lead to precancerous conditions and even cancer.
- Sleep study and sleep hygiene. This includes strategies for women experiencing difficulty going to sleep or interrupted night sleep.
As part of our commitment to ensuring the health of women with PCOS, Yale Medicine’s PCOS Program conducts research into this disorder in an effort to understand its underlying mechanisms, as well as to advance treatment intervention to improve the overall health and pregnancy outcomes of women with this condition.
