PCOS Specialist

Dr. Jose F. De Leon, M.D., P.A.

OBGYNs located in Dallas, TX & Irving, TX

One in 10 women of childbearing age experience polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a hormonal problem and a common cause of infertility. If you struggle with irregular periods, a sign of PCOS, consult the practice of Dr. Jose F. De Leon, M.D., P.A. Dr. De Leon and Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Luu are experienced OB/GYNs who specialize in treating this condition for women living in and around Irving and Dallas, Texas. If you think you may have PCOS, contact either location to schedule an appointment or use the online booking tool.

PCOS Q & A

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that leads to infrequent or prolonged periods and infertility. Women with PCOS may also have an excessive level of androgens, which are male hormones. As a result, your ovaries typically develop a bunch of small, fluid-filled follicles (cysts) that fail to release an egg each month.

This leads to irregular periods and fertility problems for many women during their childbearing years. The cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, but if you’re obese or have a female family member with PCOS, you’re at higher risk of developing the condition yourself.

What are the common symptoms of PCOS?

Most women with PCOS experience some of the following signs and symptoms:

Periods with irregular frequency (either too few or too many)
Heavy periods
Acne on your face, chest, or back
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Excessive facial hair
Hair loss from your head
Skin tags in your armpits or on your neck
Areas of darkening skin around your groin or breasts

Excessive facial hair, or hirsutism, affects about 70% of women with PCOS. You may also grow hair on other parts of your body where men typically have hair. PCOS may make it difficult for you to get pregnant, but it’s still possible. It sometimes leads to health complications such as:

Miscarriages or premature births
Liver inflammation
Metabolic syndrome
Depression and anxiety
Uterine cancer
Diabetes

There is no cure for PCOS, but fortunately, it’s treatable once your doctor identifies it as an underlying condition.

What are the treatment options for PCOS?

Lifestyle changes, such as modifying your diet and losing weight, may help to relieve symptoms and increase the effectiveness of medications. Dr. De Leon or Dr. Nguyen-Luu may prescribe combination birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin to regulate your hormones. Better-regulated hormones may also decrease your risk for certain types of cancer, while also helping your periods get on a more normal schedule.

Another treatment option is progestin therapy, or a progestin-only mini-pill or intrauterine device that delivers progestin can help regulate your menstrual cycle and protect against endometrial cancer. Or if you’re trying to become pregnant, the doctors can prescribe medications to help you ovulate.

To learn more about treatments for PCOS, call the office location that’s convenient for you, or schedule an appointment online today.

What we offer