If you’re a woman who has experienced sudden weight gain, trouble skin, excessive body hair growth or changes in your menstrual cycle, you may be dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition that is caused by metabolic changes related to hormone production in a woman’s body following the growth of cysts on the ovaries. Empower yourself with at home PCOS diagnosis options! Explore this website for accessible tools and insights to take charge of your health journey.
Many symptoms of PCOS can be found in other medical conditions, so to know whether you actually have PCOS or not, you need to seek an official medical diagnosis from a health care provider. Although at home PCOS diagnosis tests exist, these should only be relied upon for an initial diagnosis and should not be considered a definitive diagnosis.
Your Doctor Can Provide an Initial Diagnosis
Your family physician will usually be the first medical professional to speak with if you’re concerned about PCOS. Most primary care physicians can provide an initial diagnosis, but this diagnosis will usually be referred to a specialist for confirmation and treatment. While a primary care doctor may understand PCOS and potential treatment options, they will usually be limited in their knowledge about the specifics of the condition.
An Endocrinologist Can Confirm Your Diagnosis
An endocrinologist is a medical specialist who treats hormone disorders. If your primary care doctor believes you have PCOS or you have received an at home PCOS diagnosis, an endocrinologist will usually be your next step since PCOS is a medical condition that disrupts hormone production. Endocrinology treatments may be available to balance out hormones in a woman with PCOS, but every case is different.
Your OB/GYN Should Be Involved
Most women with PCOS will also want to have their ob/gyn doctor involved in treatment as well. This is because PCOS affects fertility, menstruation and the ovaries. Your ob/gyn care team may be able to provide additional insight and treatment options alongside your endocrinologist and primary care physician.
Disclaimer: The above is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak with your doctor to learn more about PCOS diagnostics and treatment options.
Read a similar article about PCOS weight gain here at this page.
