Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common reproductive condition in women. It affects between 3% and 15% of women, and it’s a risk factor for infertility and many metabolic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this episode, we speak with endocrinologist Christy Foster, M.D., who leads the PCOS Clinic at Children’s of Alabama. She explains the impact of the condition and how her multidisciplinary clinic helps patients who have it.
The cause of PCOS is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms include irregular periods, acne and excess hair growth. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical treatment.
Selected Podcast
PCOS: What to Know and How Children’s of Alabama Can Help
Featured Speaker:
Christy Foster, M.D.
Christy Foster, M.D., is a pediatric endocrinologist with a strong academic background and a passion for advancing care for adolescent females with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). She earned her medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), completed her pediatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and pursued a Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. After returning to UAB/Children's of Alabama in 2019 after completing her fellowship, she became medical director of the multidisciplinary PCOS clinic at Children's of Alabama, where patients have the opportunity to be seen by multiple subspecialists and have their needs addressed in a holistic approach. Foster is deeply committed to research, particularly in investigating novel biomarkers in PCOS and developing quality improvement initiatives to improve screening and treatment for patients with PCOS. She has also worked to help Children's of Alabama join a national consortium of children’s hospitals who treat adolescents with PCOS to help learn the best care for these patients.