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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects females. Young people with PCOS have higher levels of androgens (male hormones) than usual. They may have irregular periods, unwanted facial hair, severe acne or trouble controlling their weight.
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our specialists provide comprehensive adolescent PCOS treatment. No treatment plan is one-size-fits-all, so we use a personalized care approach.
Your child’s treatment plan may involve:
Young people with PCOS may have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight. For some, losing weight can help manage health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and prediabetes that often exist alongside PCOS.
Teenagers can work with a dietitian, physical therapist or both to create a nutrition and exercise plan. Diet and exercise changes might include:
Some medications can decrease uncomfortable PCOS symptoms. For example, teenagers may take medicines that:
These medicines might clear up acne or decrease excessive hair growth. They might lower insulin or better control androgen levels. Often, specialists recommend using these medications along with diet and exercise changes.
Doctors may recommend birth control pills that contain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Because people with PCOS have excessive androgens, taking estrogen and progesterone can help balance hormone levels. Birth control may:
Birth control pills can be effective, but they are not right for everyone. Your child’s doctor works with you to find the treatment plan that is best for your teen.
Our specialists also collaborate with specialists in the Healthy Weight Clinic to create personalized nutrition or exercise plans. This collaboration may be especially useful if you don’t want to use oral contraceptives as a PCOS treatment and have concerns regarding weight and insulin.
CHLA clinicians work with every family to find the appropriate treatment option. Our Adolescent PCOS Clinic is the largest program of its kind in the Western United States. We provide comprehensive care that includes medical treatment as well as psychological support. Learn more about the Adolescent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinic.