C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers the only Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Program in the state of Michigan, seeing patients two Wednesdays each month in the pediatric endocrinology clinic. The program started in 2015 and, in the first five years, treated more than 500 patients.
Pediatric endocrinology, in partnership with a nutritionist, offers a unified approach to helping adolescent girls struggling with symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects women’s hormone levels, producing higher than normal male hormones, and is also associated with insulin resistance and infertility. In fact, PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women and its incidence has been rising with the increase of obesity worldwide. Due to hormones shifting rapidly, menstrual cycle irregularity is also more frequent.
Learning self-management during adolescence offers a unique opportunity for early intervention to improve lifelong metabolic complications.
PCOS symptoms
Adolescent girls with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) experience hormonal problems during puberty including:
- accelerated weight gain
- difficulty with weight control
- male pattern of body hair
- severe acne not responding to traditional treatments
- darkening of the skin around the neck and waist or other areas
- increased abdominal fat and waist, “apple shape”
- irregular cycles for more than 2 years after the first period (less than 9 cycles a year)
- temporal male pattern baldness or hair thinning
PCOS self-management
We offer an integrated approach to helping you manage the symptoms of PCOS, including nutritional, and metabolic assessments. While every patient’s journey is different, you can expect your clinic visits to include some or all of the following components:
SURVIVAL SKILLS - C.A.G.E.
- Carbohydrate counting
- Awareness
- Grooming
- Exercise
“C.A.G.E.- CRUNCHING” INTRO
This 30-minute one-on-one consultation is designed to frame the way you approach your new lifestyle.
“C.A.G.E.- CRUNCHING” INTRO PLUS
Meant to review your progress. It takes time to find the right balance for your metabolism. Do not lose hope. Every lifestyle change helps whether you see it or not!
Education
The onset of PCOS raises a lot of questions. You may be wondering:
- What does PCOS look like as you grow-up and your health priorities change?
- What is the role of birth control pills in PCOS?
- Is androgen-lowering therapy right for you?
- How can you reduce the unwanted effects of androgen excess, such as severe acne, excess body hair or male-pattern hair loss?
- Is insulin-lowering therapy right for you?
- When is metformin indicated?
Our team will talk you through your questions and discuss your relevant family history.
The PCOS team
Josephine Z. Kasa-Vubu, M.D., M.S., Pediatric Endocrinologist
Allie Waisanen, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Sarah Mulholland, Scheduler
Next step
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 734-764-5175.
Please call your insurance company to verify insurance coverage for nutrition assessment. In the event that your insurance does not cover dietary component of the program, you will be responsible for this bill.