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PCOS Treatment in Charlottesville, VA
Get expert, compassionate care for PCOS.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. It often leads to irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and multiple small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, but it also affects more than reproductive health. It can influence metabolism, skin, and hair growth patterns. Many people with PCOS find that symptoms change over time, especially with lifestyle shifts or treatment. Four in five women with PCOS are obese and 7 in 10 experience unwanted facial hair growth.
PCOS Symptoms
The symptoms of PCOS can vary widely from person to person. You might experience:
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods
- Excess hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Darkening of the skin of the groin, arm-pits, and back of the neck known as acanthosis nigricans.
If these symptoms are disrupting your daily life, treatment can help. Every case of PCOS is unique, and the best approach depends on your specific hormonal patterns and goals. Our team will work closely with you to create a plan that helps restore balance and long-term wellness.
How is PCOS Treated?
At The Center For Advanced Gynecology, our treatment for PCOS focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. The right approach depends on your specific needs, including whether you’re trying to regulate your menstrual cycle, manage acne or excess hair growth, or get pregnant. PCOS Treatment in Charlottesville, VA options can include:
- Hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual cycles
- Progesterone therapy to trigger regular periods
- Medications to support insulin sensitivity
- Fertility treatments, like ovulation induction for those trying to conceive
- Anti-androgen medications to reduce acne and unwanted hair growth
- Lifestyle and nutrition counseling to help with weight management and hormone regulation
With the right combination of care, many patients see improved cycle regularity, clearer skin, and restored fertility.
Who Needs Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Treatment In Charlottesville, VA?
You might need treatment for PCOS if you experience:
- Irregular or missed menstrual periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Excess facial hair or body hair
- Acne that doesn’t improve with skincare treatments
- Weight gain or metabolic changes
- Fatigue, mood swings, or hormonal imbalances affecting daily life
Even if your symptoms feel mild, early detection can help prevent long-term health issues sometimes related to PCOS.
What are the Risks of Leaving PCOS Untreated?
Untreated PCOS can lead to a range of complications beyond irregular periods. Ongoing hormonal imbalance can increase the risk of endometrial thickening and endometrial cancer, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea,depression and cardiovascular problems. Many people also experience persistent acne, unwanted permanent face and body hair growth, and mood fluctuations that affect confidence and well-being.
If symptoms interfere with your daily routine or overall health, receiving treatment early can help protect fertility, balance hormones, and reduce the risk of future complications.
What To Expect
If your provider suspects PCOS, they will discuss your symptoms, menstrual patterns, and medical history in detail. You’ll have the opportunity to share any concerns and ask questions before moving forward with testing. Your provider will typically perform a physical and pelvic exam to check for signs of hormonal imbalance. Blood tests are often ordered to measure hormone levels. An ultrasound may also be performed to look for multiple small follicles on the ovaries/polycystic ovaries.
After the evaluation, your provider will review the findings with you and outline a treatment plan that's best for your current health and symptoms.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but it’s linked to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. Many people with PCOS have higher levels of androgens (which are male hormones) and insulin resistance, which can disrupt normal ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles.
Yes. PCOS can sometimes make it harder to become pregnant naturally. However, many people with PCOS go on to conceive with treatment. Medications that stimulate ovulation, along with lifestyle changes, can often improve fertility outcomes. Not everyone with PCOS will have fertility issues.
PCOS is a chronic condition, but it can be managed with the right care. If symptoms develop in association with weight gain, then weight loss will often bring hormone levels and menstruation back into balance. Hormone levels and symptoms often improve with treatment, but ongoing monitoring helps maintain long-term balance.
No. While PCOS can affect the ovaries and the menstrual cycle, it can also influence other aspects of your health. The biggest long term concerns are the impact on insulin resistance, weight changes, and increased risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.
To diagnose PCOS, your provider reviews your medical history, symptoms, and hormone levels. Blood tests often reveal irregularities such as insulin resistance or elevated androgens. An ultrasound can also show multiple small follicles on the ovaries which gives the condition its name: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Unwanted facial hair caused by PCOS can be managed with a few options. Dark “terminal” hair that has developed will not go away with medical treatment. Electrolysis or laser treatment can eliminate existing hair while birth control pills and anti-androgen medications can regulate hormones and prevent growth of new hair.
Yes. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can make a big difference for people with PCOS. These lifestyle changes can support a healthy weight, potentially improve insulin sensitivity, and promote more regular menstrual cycles. Even modest weight loss can sometimes help balance hormones and reduce symptoms (like acne and excessive hair growth).
Yes, it can. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance often make weight loss more challenging for people with PCOS. However, combining consistent physical activity with nutrition guidance and medical support can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.