Dallas County Living Well Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 44

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
By Ellen E. Wilson, MD

P

olycystic Ovary Syndrome, frequently called
PCOS, may affect as many as 10% of women in the
United States. Although the cause is not known,
genetics may increase the likelihood of experiencing PCOS,
which most often occurs in women of childbearing age.
There is no single definitive test to identify PCOS, but
your physician can make a diagnosis after learning about
your medical history and conducting a physical exam,
which may also include lab tests. There are a number
of symptoms that may indicate PCOS, including
infertility. Hormonal imbalances can prevent
a woman from ovulating, and can also cause
irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally,
higher levels of male hormones may result
in increased hair growth, skin problems,
and thinning hair. Women may develop
cysts on their ovaries, experience pelvic
pain, or have unexplained weight gain.
Without treatment, women are at a higher risk of developing serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart attack, high
blood pressure, sleep apnea, endometrial
cancer, anxiety, and depression.
“The younger you are and the sooner symp-

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North Dallas Living Well Magazine • Spring 2014

toms are brought under control, the better for your longterm health,” said Ellen Wilson, MD, a Dallas gynecologist
who is also board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology.
“There are things you can do that will help manage aspects
of your PCOS. Implementing some lifestyle changes can be
beneficial, and there are medications that can treat symptoms and stimulate ovulation, if pregnancy is a goal.”
For some women, there may be emotional effects from
PCOS. Dr. Wilson encourages patients to discuss concerns
with their physician. Understanding that you are not alone,
what things you can do to optimize your health and what
medical options are available to you could help you
feel better and more in control.
Dr. Wilson sees patients at The University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where
she also teaches residents and fellows. She
earned two Fellow Teaching awards, a
medical student teaching award, and was
named among the Best Doctors in Dallas
four times. She appeared on the Texas Super Doctors list for seven years.
Dr. Wilson encourages women to contact
their physicians with questions or concerns.
For more information, call 214-645-3858 or
214-645-3888.