Should I See a Specialist?
Many OB/Gyns routinely manage PCOS. However, you want to make sure that yours has experience taking care of women with PCOS. If yours doesn't, you may want to consider seeing an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormonal disorders.
Do I Have to Take the Pill?
There are many different options for treating PCOS. If you are uncomfortable with taking the birth control pill and your doctor is not willing to work with you in finding a treatment that is acceptable to both of you, you may want to find a different doctor. At the very least, a second opinion is warranted.
Do You Use Insulin Lowering Drugs?
Insulin resistance is a well known and documented issue in women with PCOS. For this reason, many speicalists are using insulin lowering drugs to help women with PCOS manage their symptoms.
What About Weight Loss Support?
Many studies have shown that even moderate weight loss can be helpful in reducing androgen levels and symptoms. That being said, there are doctors who still discount the effectiveness of weight loss in treating PCOS. This should at least be part of your evaluation and subsequent discussion.
How Should I Monitor Myself for Complications
Heart disease, diabetes, endometrial cancer and metabolic syndrome are all very real risks of having PCOS. Thankfully though, it can be very easy to reduce your risk factors through a few lifestyle changes. Your doctor should be able to give you practical advice, and help you set realistic goals for making these changes.
