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The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Clinic at Children’s Mercy helps children and teens manage the symptoms of PCOS, including irregular menstrual cycles and elevated levels of androgens (male sex hormones such as testosterone) in the female body. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS is beneficial because it can relieve your daughter’s symptoms and also prevent her from developing related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, depression, and fertility concerns.

PCOS specialists


Children’s Mercy has a team of specialists who work together to diagnose and treat adolescents ages 13-21 with PCOS. The team includes:

  • An endocrinologist, who can address all metabolic concerns.

  • An adolescent medicine specialist, who focuses on gynecological health needs.

  • A nutritionist, who offers PCOS-specific dietary counseling.

What to expect at the PCOS clinic


Your daughter will see all her specialists in one place at the clinic. She can do any diagnostic testing, such as glucose tolerance testing and ultrasound examinations, right there as well. At the end of your visit, you’ll receive the preliminary results from your exams, as well as a cohesive treatment plan and recommendations for follow-up care.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of PCOS in adolescent girls are similar to those in adult women, and may include:

  • Irregular periods – periods that come every few month, not at all, or too frequently.

  • Hirsutism – extra hair on the face or other parts of the body.

  • Acne.

  • Weight gain or obesity.

  • Infertility or decreased fertility due to lack of ovulation.

However, it may be difficult to distinguish PCOS symptoms from the normal changes of puberty. That’s why it is helpful to have specialists in adolescent medicine and pediatric endocrinology evaluate your daughter’s symptoms and provide expert insight into possible causes and solutions for her concerns.

If you’ve noticed two or more of these symptoms in your daughter, talk to her primary care provider. They may refer you to the PCOS clinic at Children’s Mercy.