Top PCOS Doctors in Chicago - Treatments and Promising New Research

Understanding PCOS and Finding the Right PCOS Doctor in Chicago

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects between 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but research suggests it's related to abnormal hormone levels. PCOS causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and fertility problems. While there's no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed with the help of the right pcos doctors in Chicago.

Common PCOS Symptoms

Some of the most common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular periods: PCOS often causes irregular menstrual cycles with heavy, painful, or missed periods.
• Excess androgen levels: Higher-than-normal male hormone (androgen) levels lead to acne and excess facial and body hair growth.
• Hair loss: Scalp hair loss or thinning hair is another common PCOS symptom.
• Overweight or obesity: Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.
• Skin tags: Small flaps of skin may form in body fold areas like the armpits or neck.
• Pelvic pain: Some women experience pelvic pain and bloating.
• Infertility: PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
• Depression and mood changes: The emotional toll of PCOS may lead to depression and anxiety.

Causes and Risk Factors for PCOS

Medical researchers aren't sure about the exact causes of PCOS, but these factors are thought to play a role:

• Genetics: Women with a family history of PCOS are more likely to develop this condition. Gene mutations may play a role.
• Insulin resistance: Insulin is the hormone essential for converting blood sugar into energy. About 60% to 80% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance.
• Low-grade inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to elevated androgen levels.
• Excess androgen: Women with PCOS tend to have higher levels of male hormones like testosterone.

Risk factors for developing PCOS include:

• Obesity: Up to 80% of PCOS patients struggle with excess weight, which exacerbates symptoms.
• Ethnicity: PCOS appears more often in Hispanic, African-American, and Native American women.
• Family history: You may have a greater risk of PCOS if your mother or sister have this condition.
• Age: PCOS often begins around the start of puberty.

Treating PCOS with Medications and Lifestyle Changes

Since there's no outright cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Most pcos doctors in Chicago utilize a combination of medications and healthy lifestyle changes tailored to the patient's symptoms and fertility goals. Treatment typically has three main targets:

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle

Some of the key PCOS medications used by Chicago specialists for controlling abnormal menstrual bleeding include:

• Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills help stabilize hormones and promote regular periods.
• Progesterone: Progesterone therapy induces withdrawal bleeding if periods have stopped.

A nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques also support hormonal balance.

Lowering Androgen Levels

Medications can help reduce excess levels of androgens like testosterone to ease related symptoms:

• Spironolactone: This blood pressure medication has androgen-blocking effects.
• Finasteride: This approach inhibits androgen production which reduces new hair growth.
• Oral contraceptives: The estrogen in birth control pills increases sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which binds testosterone and lowers the amount of free testosterone in the body.

Some lifestyle adjustments that lower androgens include achieving a healthy body weight, eating healthy fats as opposed to carbs, and taking targeted supplements.

Inducing Ovulation and Improving Fertility

PCOS is the top cause of infertility due to anovulation. Chicago fertility specialists prescribe oral medications like:

• Clomiphene citrate: This induces ovulation by impacting estrogen receptors involved in the menstrual cycle regulation.
• Metformin: Metformin improves insulin sensitivity, lowers testosterone levels, and supports ovulation.
• Letrozole: This drug prompts ovulation by lowering estrogen levels which signals the pituitary gland to increase follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion.

Dietary supplements, achieving optimal weight, moderate exercise, and stress management boost these medications effectiveness.

Finding the Right PCOS Specialists in Chicago

Since PCOS causes such a wide array of symptoms, it's best managed with comprehensive support. Finding knowledgeable and empathetic pcos doctors in Chicago is key.

The right PCOS specialists will get to know your full medical history, symptoms, lifestyle and preferences. They will then work collaboratively with you over the long-term, adjusting treatment approaches when necessary.

Here are some top traits to look for as you search for pcos doctors in Chicago:

• Specializes in reproductive endocrinology: Look for an endocrinologist or OB-GYN specifically focused on supporting women with hormonal disorders and infertility.
• PCOS subspecialty: Seek out PCOS centers or clinics with providers dedicated to treating this condition.
• Holistic approach: Choose an integrative provider addressing nutrition, exercise, mental health, and lifestyle factors along with medical therapies.
• Strong listening skills: Opt for compassionate pcos doctors in Chicago who listen attentively to all your concerns.
• Rapport and trust: Make sure you feel comfortable asking your doctor endless questions and being open about all that impacts you.

Search online reviews, ask friends for recommendations, and meet with some top contenders to find your personal perfect fit. The right pcos doctors in Chicago become trusted partners throughout all reproductive health milestones, life stages, ups and downs.

The Future Looks Bright for PCOS Treatment Breakthroughs

Polycystic ovary syndrome has only become more widely understood over the past couple decades. Promising new PCOS research offers much hope for better diagnosis methods and more targeted treatments in the future including:

• Genetic testing to assess personal aspects of PCOS like causes and best treatment options
• New assisted reproductive technologies to improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes
• Novel medications to address hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, inflammation, and excessive hair regrowth
• Expanded use of minimally invasive procedures like laparoscopic ovarian drilling to stimulate ovulation
• Enhanced nutrition plans leveraging the microbiome to ease symptoms

The future looks bright when it comes to expanding effective medical and holistic approaches for managing PCOS. Although theres no cure, quality of life greatly improves when working with compassionate pcos doctors in Chicago.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.