Dallas County Living Well Magazine Summer 2014 | Page 17

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

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 symptoms are
brought under control, the better for your long-term

By Ellen E. Wilson, MD

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 214645-3858 or 214-645-3888.

North Dallas Living Well Magazine • Summer 2014

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