Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 13 in 100 women in the United States who are of reproductive age. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, small everyday habits can make a big difference in how you feel.
The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. From making smart food choices to prioritizing sleep and stress management, practical changes can support hormone balance and make PCOS symptoms feel manageable.
See our board-certified OB/GYN physician, Daniel Esteves, MD, and the staff at his private practice in Lawrenceville and Loganville, Georgia, for a personalized PCOS treatment plan.
Below are six realistic strategies that can help you feel your best while living with PCOS.
Here are signs to watch for that may indicate you have PCOS, also called polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS):
About 40-80% of women with PCOS fall into the obese category.
It’s common to not have symptoms with PCOS. In fact, you may not realize you have this condition unless you have a difficult time getting pregnant.
Consider the following simple ways to ease negative PCOS symptoms:
Dr. Esteves may recommend you try hormonal birth control pills, shots, patches, an intrauterine device (IUD), a vaginal ring, or similar options if you struggle with negative PCOS symptoms and aren’t trying to become pregnant.
Hormonal treatments may help regulate your cycle, reduce excess facial or body hair growth, and improve acne.
There are several medications that may help relieve PCOS symptoms. Examples include medicines that block androgens and insulin-sensitizing medications. Other medications can slow facial or body hair growth or treat acne. Dr. Esteves finds a medication regimen that matches your specific needs.
Managing a healthy weight, even if you lose just 5% of your initial weight, may help ease unpleasant PCOS symptoms. Dr. Esteves can help you control calories by altering your diet, exercise regimen, and other lifestyle habits and taking weight loss medications if necessary.
Adopting healthy habits can help you maintain a healthy weight and minimize PCOS symptoms.
Aim to get daily physical activity to reduce the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes. It’s beneficial to eat whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods, plant-based fats, legumes, and dairy foods or plant-based calcium-rich alternatives.
Limit or avoid fried foods, high-fat meats, processed snacks, refined grains like white bread, and foods and drinks containing added sugar. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
Other healthy habits to consider include prioritizing sleep, minimizing stress, not smoking, and limiting or avoiding alcohol.
If you’re having difficulty getting pregnant because of PCOS, Dr. Esteves may suggest you try pills, shots, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or other fertility treatments that boost your chance of conceiving.
If excess facial or body hair makes you feel self-conscious and you’re tired of shaving, waxing, or plucking, consider laser hair removal. It’s a convenient and permanent way to eliminate unwanted hair and optimize your quality of life.
Dr. Esteves reviews your medical history and symptoms, completes a physical exam (including a pelvic exam), and may order blood tests, an ultrasound, or other diagnostic tests. He tailors a PCOS treatment plan offering symptom relief, long-lasting results, and a better quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Esteves to effectively manage PCOS symptoms by contacting us by phone or booking an appointment online today.
