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Women's Health

Understanding PCOS: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh, Miami OBGYN, explains polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, diagnosis, and the most effective treatment options available.

Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh
Board-Certified OBGYN
2 min read

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age, impacting approximately 1 in 10 women. Despite its prevalence, PCOS is frequently underdiagnosed. At Trusted Women's Health Center in Miami, Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh specializes in diagnosing and treating PCOS with personalized care plans.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS presents differently in every woman, but the most frequently reported symptoms include:

  • Irregular or missed menstrual periods
  • Excess androgen — elevated male hormones causing facial or body hair
  • Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Acne, oily skin, or hair thinning
  • Difficulty getting pregnant (reduced fertility)
  • Mood changes, depression, or anxiety

What Causes PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but insulin resistance plays a significant role in most cases. When cells don't respond properly to insulin, the body produces more, which in turn stimulates the ovaries to produce excess androgens. Genetics also appear to be a contributing factor — if your mother or sister has PCOS, your risk is higher.

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

There is no single test for PCOS. Dr. Aldabbagh uses a combination of medical history review, physical examination, blood tests to measure hormone levels and blood sugar, and a pelvic ultrasound to examine the ovaries. A PCOS diagnosis typically requires at least two of the three Rotterdam criteria: irregular periods, elevated androgens, and polycystic ovaries.

PCOS Treatment Options in Miami

Treatment depends on your specific symptoms and whether you are trying to conceive. Options include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise are highly effective), hormonal birth control to regulate periods and reduce androgens, metformin to address insulin resistance, fertility medications, and targeted medications for specific symptoms like acne or hair loss.

Schedule a PCOS Consultation

If you suspect you have PCOS or have been experiencing irregular periods, unexplained weight gain, or fertility difficulties, contact Trusted Women's Health Center at (786) 931-6067 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh at either Miami location.

Dr. Aldabbagh
Written by
Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh, MD

Board-certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist at Trusted Women's Health Center in Miami, FL. Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

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Dr. Sidiq Aldabbagh provides expert, compassionate women's healthcare at two convenient Miami locations. New patients are always welcome — same-week appointments may be available.