PCOS Specialist

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can greatly interfere with your ability to have a child and increases your risks for developing other serious health issues, such as diabetes.The team of highly qualified healthcare providers at Embry Women’s Health can develop a comprehensive treatment plan that successfully controls both the symptoms and impact of PCOS on your life.

PCOS Q&A

What is PCOS?

PCOS is caused by an imbalance of the reproductive hormones that control the development of eggs in the ovaries. During a normal menstrual cycle, an ovary releases an egg each month that travels down a fallopian tube to the uterus. PCOS causes fluid-filled sacs, or cysts, to form in the ovaries. This combination of hormone imbalance and ovarian cysts can hamper the normal development of eggs and interfere with ovulation, or the monthly release of eggs. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, but it usually responds very well to treatment.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms can vary greatly in intensity but often include:

  • Irregular periods that might occur less than 8 times a year or occur more frequently than is typical, such as every 21 days or less
  • Cessation of menstrual periods
  • Appearance of coarse, dark hair on the face, chest, and other areas where men typically have hair
  • Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
  • Acne
  • Skin tags in the armpits and neck area
  • Thinning hair that resembles male-pattern baldness
  • Darkening of the skin underneath the breasts and in the groin

What are some of the health concerns related to PCOS?

Women with PCOS are at higher risk for:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated LDL or “bad” cholesterol and decreased HDL or “good” cholesterol
  • Sleep apnea, which also raises your risks of diabetes and high blood pressure
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Obesity
  • Cancer of the endometrial tissue lining the uterus

What are the treatments?

The nurse practitioners at Embry Women’s Health use a combination of treatments that focus on an individual’s symptoms, desire to have children, and other potential health concerns.

If you’re not trying to get pregnant, medications for PCOS may include:

  • Hormonal birth control to regulate your menstrual cycle, decrease acne, and lessen unwanted hair growth on the face and body
  • Anti-androgen medications that help reduce hair loss on the scalp, reduce facial and body hair, and improve the appearance of acne by blocking the effect of androgens, or male sex hormones
  • Metformin to lower blood sugar and androgen levels

If you want to get pregnant, treatment may include:

  • Recommendations for weight loss with guidance regarding a healthy diet and increased activity
  • Diagnostic studies to rule out other causes of infertility in you and your partner
  • Medication to improve ovulation, such as Clomid

OUR PATIENTS SAY

I first chose to come to Embry Womens Health because it was near my home and they took my insurance. I’ve been coming back because JoEllen is AMAZING! The whole office is so welcoming and comforting, I’ve moved 20 miles away and I STILL go to see JoEllen for all of my women’s healthcare. I will literally plan my days off around an appointment so I can continue being a patient here.
I can’t say enough good things about Embry Women’s Health and hope to be able to be a patient for life!

5 Stars – Yelp – 11/13/2019

MAGGIE S.

I still love this place. It’s my second year as a patient here, and they still treat me so well. Every concern that I had was taken seriously and my doctor gave me some things to help with a couple of them. The office also isn’t really cold (which I’ve found to be a problem at some offices) so you won’t be freezing during your exam. She’s definitely the best doctor I have been to and recommend to every woman to look into coming here. Also, all of your test results are available online through a patient portal, and you can also schedule new appointments and fill out all of your patient information forms ahead of time on there. This makes checking in for your appointment super quick and easy.

5 Stars – Yelp – 10/31/2019

SHANA E.

This was my first visit at this office and it was so much better then a visit I’ve had at a different gynecologist. The ladies were genuinely friendly and helpful and all very knowledgeable. They make you feel comfortable and safe. It’s so hard to find a gynecologist that fits your needs and I’m very happy to say I found mine.

5 Stars – Yelp – 4/10/2018

KELLY M.

Insurance

Embry Women’s Health is committed to providing quality, affordable health care. We’re in-network with all major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare. No insurance? No problem. We offer a simple fee schedule for those who wish to pay out-of-pocket. Click the button below for our complete list and more information:

Embry Women’s Health is no longer accepting insurance and will be a self-pay practice. We understand that our decision to no longer accept insurance may come as a disappointment. However, we carefully deliberated and concluded that this change was in the best interest of our practice.

Self Pay Prices:

New Patient Appointment: $200

Established Patient Appointment: $100

Self Pay Package Pricing coming soon!

If you have insurance, we will still send your information to any laboratories so they can still bill your insurance for testing.

TESTIMONIALS

Words from our patients

JoEllen is AMAZING! Not only is she professional- she makes your whole experience comfortable. If you’re looking for a professional that never judges your situation and treats you very well- I would definitely recommend this office!

5 Stars – Yelp

Patient Image Yelp Layna HLayna H., Yelp

It is refreshing to meet a practitioner who sees the whole patient and not just a series of symptoms. JoEllen is willing to spend the time to ask questions and really listen to the responses. I have seen JoEllen several times and I have always appreciated how much time she spends with each appointment and her pragmatic approach with solutions.  I feel like my health drives the appointment and not the schedule. Finding JoEllen’s practice was like finding a needle in a haystack, a caring practitioner who encourages patients to listen to their bodies and to be their own best advocate.

5 Stars – 10/11/2018

Patient Image Kathy NKathy N., Yelp

Friendly staff. JoEllen is incredibly kind, patient and answers all of my questions whenever I see her. I don’t feel like I am being rushed when I am there, it is very nice.

5 Stars – 10/4/2018

Patient Image Ashley DAshley D., Yelp

I was super impressed. NP Eva was wonderfully personable and professional. Front desk staff (thanks, Mia) was kind and thoughtful. They have snacks and drinks in the waiting room. It’s super clean and the view is lovely. It sits right on the lake at Dobson Ranch.

5 Stars – 5/24/2021

“I started seeing Joellen earlier this year and I have had nothing but good experiences every time I have gone back. She is very down to earth and listens to any concerns. I would highly recommend Embry Womens Health.”

5 stars – 09/28/2018

Patient Image Jeannie DJeannie D., Yelp