Learn about treatment for PCOS from Dr. Petrini

Dr. Allison Petrini is the latest physician to join Texas Fertility Center. She has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat a wide variety of infertility causes. However, she is especially passionate about providing treatment for PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

“PCOS affects so many women and so many areas of their lives,” this Austin fertility specialist explains. “My goal is to help more women get an accurate diagnosis and receive the treatment they need to live healthy lives and become mothers.”

What is PCOS and how does Dr. Petrini diagnose it?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that causes a hormonal imbalance and metabolic problems that can affect a woman’s appearance, fertility and health. “PCOS is surprisingly common [1 in 10 women have the condition], but many women don’t realize that they have it,” Dr. Petrini says. “Some women experience different symptoms of PCOS, but don’t realize that they’re all related to the same condition.”

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have the following symptoms.

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Hirsutism, or excess hair on the face or body
• Acne on the back, chest or face
• Thinning hair or hair loss that mimics male-pattern baldness
• Weight gain or trouble losing weight
• Darkening of the skin and skin tags
• Infertility

If you have one or more of these symptoms, Dr. Petrini may perform testing to see if you have PCOS. These tests range from a pelvic exam to blood tests and a pelvic ultrasound. Our Austin fertility specialist will likely make a PCOS diagnosis if you meet at least two of the three diagnostic criteria.

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• Small, multiple cysts on the ovaries
• Elevated levels of androgens (male-type hormones)

Once you have a diagnosis, the next step is developing your treatment plan.

What treatment for PCOS does Dr. Petrini offer?

It can be upsetting to receive any medical diagnosis. However, Dr. Petrini wants patients to know there is hope when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome. “This is one of the most common and treatable causes of female infertility,” she says. “There are also many treatments available to help women manage PCOS symptoms if they don’t want to conceive right now.”

• Birth control pills are a first-line treatment for PCOS when a woman doesn’t want to welcome a baby right now.
• Fertility treatment can help women who want to conceive. Medications to induce ovulation like Clomid or Femara as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be great options.
• Women who are overweight may benefit from weight loss. Additionally, patients who have PCOS and insulin resistance can sometimes benefit from taking Metformin.

Contact us if you would like to schedule an appointment with this Austin fertility specialist to learn more about getting treatment for PCOS.