fbpx

PCOS Management Needs a Makeover

PCOS Management Needs a Makeover

[PCOS is a chronic medical condition and it’s time to start treating it like one. ]

PCOS affects up to 12% of reproductive aged females in the United States and up to 20% worldwide.

That’s 5 million Americans and over 100 million people worldwide. It’s a heterogeneous disorder that is characterized by menstrual irregularities and signs or symptoms of elevated androgen (masculine) hormones and that the majority (approximately 70%) have metabolic disorders, most commonly insulin resistance. People with PCOS have a higher risk of serious illnesses  like cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer. 

 

People with PCOS seek care for various symptoms and often find themselves being first treated for PCOS according to their most bothersome symptom. By the time I see a patient with PCOS for the first time, they have often seen multiple doctors and specialists before they have come to see me, but more often than not the care is fragmented.

 

Dermatologists treat their acne and hirsutism, other OBGYNs who treat the irregular menses and menorrhagia, Endocrinologists who treat their insulin resistance, Reproductive Endocrinologists who treat their infertility, Reproductive Endocrinologists are the most knowledgeable about PCOS, but in my experience many do not want to unless in the setting of infertility and they are not accessible to all patients. Psychiatrists who treat their anxiety and obesity medicine specialists who treat their obesity. 

 

#PCOS affects up to 12% of reproductive aged females in the United States and up to 20% worldwide. That’s 5 million Americans and over 100 million people worldwide. Click To Tweet

 

Sometimes they are in the care of non-physician professionals. Nutritionists offer excellent nutrition advice but sometimes fail to appreciate some of the real medical risks of PCOS that need to be addressed. Health coaches can offer some great advice, motivation and community but again, not the personalized approach that some people with PCOS need.

The supplement industry promotes itself often as a healthy, natural, safer alternative. Supplements may be part of the treatment but the industry as a whole is under regulated. 

 

For me, treating women with PCOS is very rewarding, but in speaking with my OBGYN peers I realize for many it is a frustrating condition to treat. It should be within the scope of  generalist OBGYNs or Family Physicians to treat PCOS but we don’t always have the tools or the time to do a good job. Our patients bear the brunt of our frustration and they themselves are frustrated as they often bounce around to different specialists, receiving conflicting advice, having their symptoms managed but their underlying condition never treated. They are often given the unhelpful advice of “just lose weight.”

 

My approach to patients with PCOS is not difficult but it is time consuming. As with everything in medicine, it starts with a good history and a proper diagnosis. The history should assess the patient’s goals: do they want contraception or do they desire pregnancy? What symptoms are most bothersome to them? What treatments did they try in the past and why did they discontinue them? What supplements are they taking?

 

The supplement industry promotes itself often as a healthy, natural, safer alternative. Supplements may be part of the treatment but the industry as a whole is under regulated. #medtwitter #MEDed Click To Tweet

 

A diet history is essential. Physicians can learn tools to complete a nutrition assessment or at very least a screening questionnaire. A screening questionnaire can at least identify some immediate needs, and referral to a trusted Dietitian-nutritionist specializing in women’s health should be made. Emphasis should be made on improving insulin resistance, reducing chronic inflammation and improving gut health.

 

Education is key. Most of my time with my PCOS patients is spent listening and educating. I use telemedicine as a way to have more frequent engagement with my patients. 

 

The OBGYN who is treating PCOS should have a network of referrals at the ready of specialists who are knowledgeable and interested in treating PCOS so that their management plans can be in sync. For example, I am comfortable managing the nutrition portion, prescribing medication for insulin resistance, menstrual disorders or depression/anxiety, but less confident with dermatology and so I have some great referrals from dermatologists who I know are interested in treating PCOS related skin disorders. 

 

Multidisciplinary PCOS Centers of Excellence are only just becoming a thing. They bring all the specialists  but these are limited. Telemedicine is a great way to bring specialists together to provide comprehensive care and education in an efficient and effective way that is accessible.  Social networking is a way for patients to find community but also a way for healthcare professionals to find innovative ways to work together. 

 

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on SoMeDocs? Find out what we’re looking for here and submit your writing, or send us a pitch.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Affiliate ad

Tweet Me

More from SoMeDocs

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

Ladders of Love

Ladders of Love

Robert Saul, MD explains why adders of love are critical for children, providing support as children and families lift themselves from trauma to a pathway toward restoration, resilience and flourishing.

The True Art of Medicine

The Crafting Doctors

Doctors do some incredible work outside of the exam room. Some even craft! Take a peek at some of our highlighted doctors, here, in this series.

David Norris, MD, MBA

Negotiate as a Physician and Win

Catch this 8-part series, hosted by physician & business consultant David Norris, MD, MBA & produced by Dana Corriel, MD. Learn to be a stronger negotiator with these important tactics.

My “Go To” Spices for Indian Food: Beginner’s Guide

The Doctor’s Food

In honor of our upcoming virtual Lifestyle Medicine conference, we thought it would be fun to share some of what doctors eat (and prepare!), released regularly. Bottoms’ up!

Want More?

Be a part of the healthcare revolution.
Don't miss a thing SoMeDocs publishes!

Disclaimer: SoMeDocs assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, claims, or content of the individual experts' profiles, contributions and courses. Details within posts cannot be verified. This site does not represent medical advice and you should always consult with your private physician before taking on anything you read online. See SoMeDocs' Terms of Use for more information.

follow us

© 2023 SoMeDocs. All Rights Reserved.

Support A Platform that Celebrates Real Doctors

For just $10 a month, you can help keep this openly accessible site available to all & help us sponsor in more doctors.

Interested in the must-read, unique content from our magazine?

I acknowledge that this site is not to be used for medical advice.

Play Video
Our Founder Answers Your BURNING Question

SoMeDocs

“Why should I become a member of SoMeDocs if I already have my own space online?”

Site SoMeDocs Logo, square

WANT TO STAY IN THE LOOP?

DON'T MISS A SINGLE CONTENT PIECE.