Gynaecology
Receive expert care and management for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with a comprehensive clinic appointment. Dr Giada Frontino offers personalised assessments and treatment plans to help manage the symptoms and health concerns associated with PCOS, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterised by a wide range of symptoms that can vary greatly among individuals. PCOS can develop at any time after puberty and before menopause.
Are My Symptoms Caused by PCOS?
Having ovarian cysts does not necessarily mean you have PCOS. Ovarian cysts are fluid- or solid-filled sacs that do not contain eggs, whereas PCOS involves multiple small follicles (small round fluid-filled sacs containing immature eggs) that ovulate irregularly.
PCOS symptoms can start with the onset of menstruation or appear later, often triggered by weight gain. Symptoms can vary widely, and there is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Diagnosis typically involves having at least two of the following signs:
A pelvic ultrasound showing specific ultrasound features
Irregular menstrual cycles (more than 35 days between periods)
Excess facial and body hair, severe acne, and partial or complete hair loss on the scalp (androgenetic alopecia)
These symptoms tend to worsen in overweight or obese women.
During the appointment, Dr Frontino will review your medical history, discuss any current symptoms or concerns, and perform a physical examination if necessary. The session may include diagnostic tests, such as blood tests to measure hormone levels and ultrasounds to assess the ovaries, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your condition.
Patients can expect a thorough understanding of their PCOS and personalised advice on managing symptoms. Dr Frontino provides guidance on lifestyle changes, medication, and other treatments to support your well-being and address the underlying hormonal imbalances.
The PCOS clinic appointment typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your concerns and the need for additional diagnostic tests.
There is no recovery time required for a PCOS clinic appointment itself. However, follow-up visits or treatments may be scheduled based on the findings and recommendations from the consultation.
The appointment is generally painless. If a physical examination or diagnostic tests are required, Dr Frontino ensures a gentle approach to minimise any discomfort.
The duration of the appointment is 30 to 60 minutes. The benefits of the consultation, including a clear diagnosis and personalised advice, can have long-lasting effects on your health and quality of life with PCOS.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but insulin resistance plays a significant role. Chronic stress and being overweight can cause insulin resistance, which in turn stimulates the ovaries to produce male hormones (androgens). These androgens can block ovulation and cause symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, and excess hair growth. Untreated PCOS can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will collect your medical history and perform a physical examination to look for signs of insulin resistance, androgen excess, and acne. A pelvic ultrasound can assess for typical PCOS features. Specific blood tests will help rule out other hormonal issues and evaluate your glucose and lipid metabolism.
Treatment for PCOS varies depending on the symptoms and may include:
Nutrient Intake and Body Weight: Achieving a healthy weight helps manage PCOS symptoms such as irregular cycles, acne, unwanted hair, and ovulation dysfunction. A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, berries, pulses, mixed nuts, fish, seafood, and lean meats, while reducing sugar intake, is recommended.
Inositol: A combination of Myoinositol and Chiroinositol, found in fresh citrus fruits, cantaloupe, beans, brown rice, and nuts, can improve PCOS symptoms, ovulation, and fertility outcomes.
Regular and Moderate Physical Exercise: Helps reduce sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance.
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Counselling: Supports stress reduction and improves insulin resistance.
Hormonal Contraception: The pill, mini-pill, contraceptive patch, or vaginal ring can reduce androgen production, improving acne and excess hair.
Hormonal Treatments: Clomiphene, Gonadotropins, and Metformin can promote ovulation, with Metformin also aiding weight reduction.
Spironolactone: Blocks androgen effects, improving acne and excess hair (not recommended for women seeking pregnancy).
Eflornithine: Cream that slows down hair growth.
Electrolysis and Laser Treatments: Permanently reduce thick and dark facial and body hair.
PCOS does not mean you cannot get pregnant. It is a treatable cause of infertility. PCOS can make conception difficult due to ovulatory dysfunction. Weight management is crucial in cases where PCOS is linked to being overweight, as hormonal imbalances can block ovulation. Achieving a normal weight improves fertility, and hormonal treatments to induce ovulation are more effective when body weight is within a normal range (BMI between 20 and 25).
A PCOS clinic appointment with Dr Giada Frontino involves a detailed evaluation of your symptoms and overall health related to PCOS. This consultation helps address hormonal imbalances, manage symptoms, and improve your quality of life.
Consultation: Dr Frontino will assess your medical history and discuss your PCOS symptoms and concerns.
Examination: A physical examination may be performed if necessary.
Diagnostic Tests: Additional tests, such as blood tests to measure hormone levels and ultrasounds to assess the ovaries, may be recommended.
Discussion: Dr Frontino will explain the findings and discuss potential care options and treatments.
Follow-up: A personalised treatment plan will be developed, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled if necessary.
Aftercare involves following the recommendations provided by Dr Frontino, which may include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or prescribed treatments. Regular follow-up appointments help monitor your progress and ensure you are effectively managing PCOS symptoms.
Yes, a PCOS clinic appointment with Dr Frontino is safe and designed to provide comprehensive care and an accurate assessment of your PCOS.
Any woman experiencing symptoms of PCOS or seeking advice on managing this condition should schedule an appointment. Dr Frontino can address a wide range of concerns and provide essential support.
Yes, the appointment can include diagnostic tests such as blood tests to measure hormone levels and ultrasounds to assess the ovaries. Dr Frontino will recommend the necessary tests based on your medical history and current symptoms.
You will receive immediate insights into your PCOS health during the consultation, and a detailed plan will be discussed based on the findings.
Dr Frontino offers a range of treatment options for managing PCOS symptoms, including lifestyle changes, medication, and hormonal treatments. A personalised plan will be developed based on your specific needs and preferences.
Please send your enquiry to us and our Practice Manager will be in touch shortly. Alternatively, if you would rather speak to us or your enquiry requires our urgent attention, please call us on 01344 946363.
