Comprehensive Cervical Health Screening
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, making it one of the most common hormonal disorders worldwide. At our Dubai clinic, DHA-licensed gynecologists and endocrinologists provide comprehensive, evidence-based PCOS care following international guidelines from the Rotterdam Consensus and the Endocrine Society. We offer individualized treatment plans addressing hormonal regulation, metabolic health, fertility concerns, and long-term cardiovascular risk management through a multidisciplinary approach.
What Does the Exam Involve?
PCOS diagnosis and management involves comprehensive hormonal blood testing (including AMH, LH/FSH ratio, testosterone, and insulin levels), transvaginal ultrasound to assess ovarian morphology, metabolic screening for insulin resistance and diabetes risk, assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, and personalized treatment combining lifestyle modifications, medications (such as Metformin, hormonal contraceptives, and anti-androgens), fertility treatments when needed, and nutritionist collaboration for sustainable weight management.
Who Should Schedule This Exam?
- Women with irregular menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea) occurring fewer than 8 times per year
- Those experiencing signs of androgen excess: facial/body hair growth (hirsutism), acne, or male-pattern hair loss
- Women diagnosed with polycystic ovaries on ultrasound showing 12+ follicles per ovary or increased ovarian volume
- Individuals with unexplained weight gain, difficulty losing weight, or central obesity despite healthy lifestyle
- Those experiencing fertility challenges or recurrent miscarriages with suspected PCOS
- Women with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or metabolic syndrome diagnosis
- Adolescents with irregular periods and PCOS symptoms requiring early intervention
Benefits of Regular Pap Smears
- Restoration of regular menstrual cycles reducing endometrial cancer risk associated with prolonged amenorrhea
- Improved fertility outcomes through ovulation induction achieving 70-80% ovulation rates with appropriate treatment
- Reduction in androgen-related symptoms: hirsutism improvement by 40-60% with anti-androgen therapy
- Better metabolic health: Metformin therapy reduces progression to type 2 diabetes by up to 50% in PCOS patients
- Weight management support with medical supervision improving BMI, insulin sensitivity, and hormonal balance
- Reduced cardiovascular risk through lipid management, blood pressure control, and inflammation reduction
- Enhanced quality of life through symptom management, psychological support, and fertility counseling
- Long-term health optimization preventing complications like endometrial hyperplasia, diabetes, and heart disease
Preparation Tips for Accurate Results
Important Preparation Guidelines:
- Track your menstrual cycles for 3-6 months prior to consultation, noting cycle length, duration, and flow
- Document symptoms including hirsutism patterns, acne severity, weight changes, and mood variations
- Fast for 8-12 hours before your appointment if metabolic testing (glucose, insulin) will be performed
- Bring previous hormonal test results, ultrasound reports, and medical records if available
- List current medications, supplements, and any previous PCOS treatments attempted
- Prepare questions about fertility, contraception, or specific symptoms you wish to address
- Consider bringing a menstrual diary or period tracking app data for accurate assessment
What to Expect During Your Visit
1Before the Exam
- •Comprehensive medical history review including menstrual patterns, fertility goals, and family history
- •Discussion of PCOS symptoms: irregular periods, hirsutism, acne, weight challenges, fertility concerns
- •Review of previous test results, treatments attempted, and current medication regimen
- •Explanation of PCOS diagnosis criteria (Rotterdam criteria) and testing procedures
2During the Exam
- •Physical examination including BMI calculation, blood pressure, and signs of hyperandrogenism
- •Pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal or abdominal) to assess ovarian morphology and follicle count
- •Comprehensive hormonal blood panel: LH, FSH, AMH, testosterone, DHEA-S, androstenedione
- •Metabolic screening: fasting glucose, insulin levels, OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) if indicated
- •Lipid profile and thyroid function tests to rule out other conditions
- •Assessment of hirsutism using Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system if applicable
3After the Exam
- •Detailed explanation of PCOS diagnosis and what it means for your health and fertility
- •Personalized treatment plan addressing your specific symptoms, goals, and concerns
- •Prescription of medications: Metformin for insulin resistance, hormonal contraceptives for cycle regulation, anti-androgens for hirsutism
- •Referral to clinical dietician for evidence-based nutrition and weight management program
- •Fertility counseling and ovulation induction planning if pregnancy is desired
- •Lifestyle modification guidance including exercise recommendations and stress management
- •Follow-up schedule to monitor treatment response and adjust medications as needed
- •Long-term health monitoring plan for cardiovascular and metabolic risk prevention
Why Choose Our PCOS Specialist Clinic in Dubai?
Evidence-Based PCOS Care
Our treatment protocols follow international guidelines from the Rotterdam Consensus, Endocrine Society, and ESHRE/ASRM. We stay current with the latest PCOS research ensuring you receive gold-standard care backed by clinical evidence.
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
PCOS requires comprehensive care beyond gynecology. Our team includes endocrinologists, clinical dieticians, fertility specialists, and mental health professionals working together to address all aspects of PCOS management.
Personalized Treatment Plans
PCOS manifests differently in each woman. We customize treatment based on your phenotype (classic, ovulatory, or non-hyperandrogenic), fertility goals, metabolic status, and lifestyle factors for optimal outcomes.
Advanced Fertility Solutions
For women with PCOS seeking pregnancy, we offer ovulation induction (Letrozole, Clomiphene), follicle monitoring, IUI coordination, and referral to IVF specialists when needed. Our protocols achieve high pregnancy rates while minimizing OHSS risk.
Metabolic Health Focus
PCOS is not just a reproductive disorder. We emphasize insulin resistance management, diabetes prevention, cardiovascular risk reduction, and weight optimization through Metformin therapy, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle interventions.
Long-Term Health Partnership
PCOS is a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management. We provide continuous support through regular follow-ups, medication adjustments, fertility transitions, and prevention of long-term complications like endometrial cancer and heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is PCOS and how is it diagnosed?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a hormonal disorder affecting reproductive-aged women. Diagnosis requires meeting 2 of 3 Rotterdam criteria: (1) irregular or absent ovulation (oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea), (2) clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens (hirsutism, acne, elevated testosterone), and (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound (12+ follicles per ovary or ovarian volume >10ml). Blood tests measure hormones (LH, FSH, testosterone, AMH), and metabolic markers (glucose, insulin), while ultrasound assesses ovarian morphology. Diagnosis also requires excluding other conditions like thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Q2.Can PCOS be cured or is it a lifelong condition?
PCOS is a chronic condition that cannot be "cured," but it can be very effectively managed with appropriate treatment. While the underlying hormonal and metabolic predisposition remains, symptoms can be controlled, fertility can be optimized, and long-term health risks can be minimized through lifestyle modifications, medications, and ongoing medical care. Many women successfully manage PCOS symptoms, achieve pregnancy when desired, and prevent complications like diabetes and heart disease through comprehensive treatment. The key is early diagnosis, consistent treatment adherence, and regular monitoring with your healthcare team.
Q3.What are the best treatments for PCOS to regulate periods?
Treatment for irregular periods in PCOS depends on your fertility goals. For women NOT seeking pregnancy: combined hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills) are first-line, regulating cycles while reducing androgen levels and protecting against endometrial cancer. Cyclic progestin therapy is an alternative for those who cannot use estrogen. For women SEEKING pregnancy: Metformin improves insulin sensitivity and may restore ovulation naturally. Ovulation induction with Letrozole or Clomiphene achieves regular ovulation in 70-80% of cases. Weight loss of just 5-10% can restore regular cycles in overweight women with PCOS. Your gynecologist will tailor treatment to your specific situation and goals.
Q4.How does PCOS affect fertility and pregnancy chances?
PCOS is the most common cause of ovulatory infertility, but most women with PCOS can achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment. The main fertility challenge is irregular or absent ovulation. However, with ovulation induction medications (Letrozole is first-line, achieving pregnancy rates of 20-25% per cycle), 70-80% of PCOS women can conceive within 6-12 months of treatment. Women with PCOS face slightly higher risks during pregnancy including gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and miscarriage, requiring closer monitoring. The key is working with a fertility-focused gynecologist who can optimize your metabolic health before conception, induce ovulation effectively, and provide comprehensive prenatal care.
Q5.What role does weight loss play in PCOS management?
Weight loss is one of the most effective treatments for PCOS, particularly for overweight women. Even modest weight loss of 5-10% can significantly improve insulin sensitivity, restore regular ovulation, reduce androgen levels, improve fertility, and decrease cardiovascular risk. The challenge is that PCOS itself makes weight loss difficult due to insulin resistance and metabolic changes. Evidence-based approaches include: low glycemic index diet, regular exercise (combination of cardio and resistance training), Metformin to improve insulin sensitivity and support weight loss, working with a clinical dietician specializing in PCOS, and addressing psychological factors like emotional eating. Importantly, not all PCOS patients are overweight—lean PCOS requires different management strategies.
Q6.What is Metformin and do I need it for PCOS?
Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing medication originally used for type 2 diabetes, now widely used in PCOS management. It works by improving insulin resistance, which is present in 70-80% of PCOS patients regardless of weight. Benefits include: improved ovulation and menstrual regularity, enhanced fertility and pregnancy rates, reduced progression to type 2 diabetes by 40-50%, modest weight loss of 3-5kg on average, and improved lipid profiles. Metformin is particularly recommended for: women with insulin resistance or prediabetes, those with BMI >25 or central obesity, patients seeking fertility enhancement, and long-term diabetes prevention. Not everyone with PCOS needs Metformin—your doctor will determine appropriateness based on metabolic testing and individual factors. Common side effects (nausea, diarrhea) can be minimized by slow dose titration and extended-release formulations.
Q7.How can I reduce excess facial and body hair caused by PCOS?
Hirsutism (excess hair growth) affects 70% of PCOS women due to elevated androgens. Treatment requires patience as improvement takes 6-12 months. Medical options include: Hormonal contraceptives (first-line) reduce androgen production achieving 40-60% improvement. Anti-androgens like Spironolactone block testosterone effects with visible improvement in 6 months. Metformin may modestly reduce hirsutism by improving insulin resistance. Cosmetic treatments provide immediate relief: laser hair removal and electrolysis for permanent reduction (most effective with concurrent hormonal therapy), professional waxing, threading, or depilatory creams for temporary removal. Avoid shaving which doesn't worsen growth but may feel coarser. Weight loss of 5-10% can reduce androgen levels. Combination therapy (medication + cosmetic treatment) yields best results. Be patient—hair already grown won't disappear immediately but new growth will be reduced over time.
Q8.Does PCOS increase my risk of diabetes and how can I prevent it?
Yes, PCOS significantly increases diabetes risk. Women with PCOS have 4-7 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women without PCOS. By age 40, up to 40% of PCOS women develop prediabetes or diabetes due to chronic insulin resistance. Prevention strategies are highly effective: Metformin therapy reduces progression to diabetes by 40-50% in high-risk PCOS patients. Weight loss of 5-10% dramatically improves insulin sensitivity and reduces diabetes risk. Low glycemic index diet and regular exercise (150 minutes/week) improve glucose metabolism. Regular screening with fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) enables early detection. Annual metabolic monitoring is recommended for all PCOS patients. With proactive management, diabetes is NOT inevitable—early intervention can prevent or significantly delay onset.
Q9.Can PCOS go away after pregnancy or with age?
PCOS symptoms may improve after pregnancy or with age, but the underlying condition persists. Some women experience temporary improvement in menstrual regularity after childbirth, possibly due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. As women approach menopause (perimenopause), androgen levels naturally decline, which may reduce hirsutism and acne. However, metabolic risks (diabetes, cardiovascular disease) actually increase with age in PCOS patients. Post-menopausal PCOS women face higher risks of: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, lifelong management is important even when reproductive symptoms improve. Continued Metformin, lifestyle modifications, and regular health screenings remain crucial throughout life to prevent long-term complications.
Q10.Should I see a gynecologist or endocrinologist for PCOS?
PCOS management benefits from multidisciplinary care, but can be effectively managed by a gynecologist specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. See a GYNECOLOGIST if: your primary concerns are menstrual irregularity, fertility issues, contraception needs, or routine PCOS management. Gynecologists prescribe ovulation induction, hormonal contraceptives, and coordinate fertility treatments. See an ENDOCRINOLOGIST if: you have significant metabolic complications (diabetes, severe insulin resistance), hormonal imbalances beyond typical PCOS, or require complex medication management. IDEAL APPROACH: Start with a gynecologist experienced in PCOS who can coordinate care with endocrinologists, dieticians, and dermatologists as needed. Our Dubai clinic offers comprehensive PCOS care with both gynecologists and endocrinologists collaborating for optimal outcomes.
Quick Facts
Duration
10-15 minutes
Results
3-5 days
Privacy
100% Confidential
Specialists
DHA Licensed
Why Choose Us?
- Same-day appointments available
- Female gynecologists on staff
- Private consultation rooms
- Digital results via WhatsApp
- Central Deira location