Here’s what you need to know about your PCOS treatment team.
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Endocrinologist
An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the hormonal system. If your PCP or OB-GYN suspects that you have the disorder, they may consider referring you to an endocrinologist for further diagnostic testing and treatment.
If your menstrual abnormalities and symptoms aren’t controlled with birth control pills or with other initial treatments, you can seek care with an endocrinologist if you aren’t already seeing one.
What Is an Endocrinologist and What Do They Do?
Reproductive Endocrinologist
Reproductive endocrinologists, sometimes called fertility healthcare providers, are endocrinologists who specialize in sex hormones and are also credentialed as obstetricians and gynecologists.
Often times a reproductive endocrinologist can manage your PCOS treatment and may do ultrasounds in the office. Since many people with PCOS have difficulty conceiving, if you are attempting to get pregnant and having difficulties, you may need to have a reproductive endocrinologist on your team.
Dietitian
Registered dietitians (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) arefood and nutrition expertswho have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in dietetics. In addition, RDs and RDNs have completed a full year of a dietetic internship, passed a credentialing, exam, and earn continuing education credits each year to maintain their credentials.
Your RDN will provide nutrition education about PCOS, dietary supplements that may improve your condition, and develop a personalized meal plan based on your medical needs.
Just like physicians and other healthcare providers who specialize in one area of medicine, sometimes RDs and RDNs do as well. The RDNs at thePCOS Nutrition Centerare all trained to work with women with PCOS and specialize in the condition (and have PCOS themselves).
Other PCOS Experts
Depending on your symptoms and goals, a healthcare provider and registered dietitian may not be the only part of your treatment team. If you struggle with mood disorders, such as anxiety ordepression, you may want to consult with a mental health expert.
Forming a treatment team that you feel comfortable with is important. Don’t be afraid to seek out other experts if needed.
A Word From Verywell
It is extremely important that you are comfortable with your healthcare provider. If you don’t understand anything about your care, make sure you ask questions. And if would like a different treatment approach, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.De Leo V, Musacchio MC, Cappelli V, Massaro MG, Morgante G, Petraglia F.Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: an update.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14(1):38. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0173-x
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.De Leo V, Musacchio MC, Cappelli V, Massaro MG, Morgante G, Petraglia F.Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: an update.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14(1):38. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0173-x
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
De Leo V, Musacchio MC, Cappelli V, Massaro MG, Morgante G, Petraglia F.Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: an update.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14(1):38. doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0173-x
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