Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
When To Call a Doctor
Polycystic ovary syndrom (PCOS) causes a wide range of symptoms, so it may be hard to know when to see your doctor. But early diagnosis and treatment will help prevent serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. See your doctor if you have symptoms that suggest PCOS.
Call your doctor right away or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe vaginal bleeding. You are passing clots of blood and soaking through your usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours.
Call your doctor if you have:
- More vaginal bleeding, or bleeding is more irregular.
- Regular menstrual cycles but you have been trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant for more than 12 months.
- Any symptoms of diabetes, such as increased thirst and frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, or tingling or numbness in your hands or feet.
- Depression or mood swings. Many women may have emotional problems related to the physical symptoms of PCOS, such as excess hair, obesity, or infertility.
Watchful waiting
Taking a wait-and-see approach (called watchful waiting) is not appropriate if you may have PCOS. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent future problems.
Who to see
Health professionals who can diagnose and treat PCOS include:
- Reference Gynecologists Opens New Window.
- Reference Obstetricians Opens New Window.
- Reference Family medicine doctors Opens New Window.
- Reference Nurse practitioners Opens New Window.
- Reference Physician assistants Opens New Window.
- Reference Internists Opens New Window.
- Reference Endocrinologists Opens New Window (pediatric or medical).
- Reference Reproductive endocrinologists Opens New Window.
- Reference Registered dietitians Opens New Window.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference February 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
