Learn about PCOS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options

If you’ve ever wondered why your periods are irregular, you’re gaining weight without a clear reason, or you’re dealing with stubborn acne or facial hair, you’re not alone. These symptoms could be signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — a common hormone condition that affects millions of women.

At AHN West Penn Hospital, we take your symptoms seriously. Our caring OB-GYN team is here to listen, find answers, and create a treatment plan that works for you, so you can feel more supported and in control of your health.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormone disorder that happens when the ovaries make too many male hormones (androgens). The condition can start any time after puberty, and the exact cause isn’t known.

PCOS can cause small cysts (lumps) on the ovaries and lead to symptoms like:

• Weight gain.
• Acne.
• Facial hair.
• Irregular or long menstrual periods.
• Dark patches on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs.

PCOS can also make it harder for some women to get pregnant because the condition affects the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

Getting a PCOS diagnosis

PCOS can be hard to diagnose because it doesn’t look the same for everyone, and its symptoms can be linked to other health issues. Your care team at West Penn will listen to your concerns, look at your health history, and run tests to help you find answers.

“Getting an official PCOS diagnosis is important because, for many years, women’s symptoms were ignored, and they often had to be their own advocates,” said Grace Ferguson, MD, MPH, OB-GYN at West Penn. “Women may do research at home and form their own diagnosis based on what PCOS symptoms they are experiencing — like irregular menstrual periods. But in order to get patients the most personalized care, our team carefully evaluates them through our diagnostic process.”

To be diagnosed with PCOS, doctors look for at least two of these three signs:

• Excessive hair growth.
• Excessive level of male hormones (high androgens).
• Irregular or missed periods.

Your care team might do the following to better understand your symptoms:

• Run blood tests.
• Do ultrasound exams to check for cysts.
• Check your insulin levels, since insulin problems can raise androgen levels.

Finding the right treatment for you

If you’re diagnosed with PCOS, the OB-GYN team at West Penn will ask questions about your lifestyle and goals, including whether you have plans to get pregnant. They will take all these factors into consideration when helping you decide what PCOS treatment is right for you.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Birth control to balance your hormones, make your periods more regular, and address symptoms like hair growth on your face.
• Medication for managing insulin resistance (when cells don’t respond well to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise).
• Healthy lifestyle changes like regular exercise and balanced eating to support weight and hormone control.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, your doctor will help you explore treatment options that support fertility.

Team-based care that supports you

PCOS is often misunderstood, and many women feel dismissed or overlooked when seeking help. At West Penn, we take a different approach. Our team listens closely, takes your concerns seriously, and works to provide care that truly supports your whole health.

Your care may also include:

• Coordination with your primary care doctor.
• Virtual health visits with endocrine (hormone-related) specialists for help with PCOS management.
• A referral to the AHN Center for Reproductive Medicine for additional specialized care like fertility support.

We’re here to help you take control of your PCOS

Learn more about how AHN West Penn Hospital can help you understand what's going on with your body, find relief from your symptoms, and feel more like yourself again.