• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • COVID-19
  • Types of Care
  • Locations
  • Doctors
  • Patients & Guests
  • Referring Physicians
  • Appointments
  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Condition: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Also called: PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. The name of the condition is from the appearance of your ovaries in most women with the disorder. They will become enlarged and have many small cysts along their outer edges. It can not only cause problems with your periods, but it can also make it difficult to get pregnant.

Recognizing and Treating PCOS

PCOS produces symptoms in approximately 5 – 10% of women between the ages of 12 and 45. It’s thought to be one of the leading causes of female subfertility and the most common endocrine problem in women of reproductive age.

Symptoms of PCOS can be mild at first. You might have only a few of the symptoms or several. The most frequent symptoms include:

  • Weight gain/ trouble losing weight
  • Irregular periods
  • Fertility problems
  • Acne
  • Extra hair on the face and body
  • Thinning hair on the scalp
  • Depression

To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, your doctor will consider all your signs and symptoms. No specific test diagnoses the condition. Your doctor will probably do a pelvic examination and ultrasound to see the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus.

Infertility related to PCOS is most often successfully treated with a simple fertility pill or other medications.

Your doctor will most likely prescribe medication as treatment. The medication that your doctor recommends will vary with your circumstances; it could be medication to regulate your menstrual cycle, help you ovulate or reduce excessive hair growth. Infertility related to PCOS is most often successfully treated with a simple fertility pill or other medications. Surgery may be an option in some cases if you are still having difficulty becoming pregnant.

Lifestyle changes can also help with the symptoms of PCOS. You may consider making efforts to lose weight, eat a healthier diet and get more physical activity.

Contents

  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Areas of Expertise
  • Make an Appointment

Providers Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


William W.  'Sam' Greenfield, M.D.

William W. "Sam" Greenfield, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Melissa S. Helmich, M.D.

Melissa S. Helmich, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

Nirvana A. Manning, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

Renee P. McGraw, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Amy M. Phillips, M.D.

Amy M. Phillips, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Gloria A. Richard-Davis, M.D.

Gloria A. Richard-Davis, M.D. Reproductive Endocrinology Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Dora Mah Smith, M.D.

Dora Mah Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Michael V. Smith, M.D.

Michael V. Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Chad B. Taylor, M.D.

Chad B. Taylor, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile
Alexis  C. White, M.D.

Alexis C. White, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

View Profile

Locations Where Providers Treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Note that the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

Filter the Locations


Women's Center

Women’s Center

6119 Midtown Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-1050
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Areas of Expertise for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Gynecology (Part of Women's Health)

At UAMS Health, our gynecologists are highly trained to provide the best in medical treatment for every stage of a woman's life.

View Area of Expertise
Image of a pregnant woman lying down on a hospital bed and talking to a doctor.

Women’s Health

UAMS Health is dedicated to continuing to improve women’s health services throughout the state, and we have all the services you need to …

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Notice of Privacy Practices

© 2023 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Please share your location to continue