PCOS Specialist
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Prime Endocrinology of Tampa
Archana Swami, MD
Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Thyroid Specialist located in Tampa, FL
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) disrupts your menstrual periods, is a top cause of infertility, and, without treatment, leads to serious health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. At Prime Endocrinology of Tampa, Archana Swami, MD, has helped many women overcome the challenges of PCOS. Prime Endocrinology of Tampa develops personalized treatment plans that restore hormonal balance and improve your health and vitality. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Tampa, Florida, or use the online booking feature today.
PCOS Q & A
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormone disorder that occurs when women have abnormally high levels of androgens, which are male hormones like testosterone.
Women normally produce a small amount of androgens. They need the male hormones to regulate their reproductive system and maintain the health of their bones, muscles, and heart.
However, high androgen levels affect women's ovaries and interfere with ovulation and menstruation. Excessive androgens also cause a range of health problems.
What symptoms develop due to PCOS?
Women with PCOS have at least two of three primary symptoms:
Abnormal menstrual periods
As high androgen levels interrupt ovulation, you may have irregular or heavy periods, or your periods may stop.
Ovarian cysts
Many women develop multiple cysts on their ovaries. If your cysts are small, they won't cause symptoms. As the fluid-filled sacs enlarge, they cause abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.
Androgen-related symptoms
Women with high androgen levels often develop acne and hair loss. Additionally, 70% of women with PCOS develop hirsutism, the growth of coarse dark hair on their face, chest, abdomen, and upper thighs.
What health complications develop due to PCOS?
The longer PCOS goes untreated, the more likely you are to develop serious health conditions. Many women experience:
- Infertility
- Weight gain
- Insulin resistance
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Uterine cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver
PCOS is one of the top causes of infertility, and if you get pregnant before treating PCOS, the disease increases your risk of having a miscarriage or early delivery.
How is PCOS treated?
Prime Endocrinology of Tampa offers comprehensive care for PCOS, creating a customized treatment plan based on your symptoms and the presence of chronic health conditions.
PCOS treatment focuses on:
Lifestyle changes and self-care
Following a healthy diet, getting more exercise, and losing weight (if needed) can prevent and treat the complications that frequently affect women with PCOS. Women with hirsutism may need a prescription medication that slows down hair growth.
Medications
Your provider prescribes one of several medications that restart ovulation and regulate menstruation. You may also need a lifestyle plan and medications to treat conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
If you have signs of PCOS, call Prime Endocrinology of Tampa or book an appointment online today.
