Join Dr. Laura Eisman as she debunks five of the most common myths around Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Whether you're newly diagnosed or simply looking for clarity, this episode offers expert insight and support to help you take charge of your health.
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MythBusters: PCOS Edition
Featured Speaker:
Laura Eisman, MD, REI
Dr. Laura Eisman received her doctor of medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia before completing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health in Abington, PA. She rounded out her education at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where she completed her fellowship in reproductive endocrinology & infertility. Dr. Eisman earned many honors and awards throughout her educational career including Resident Research Award, cum laude, Dean’s List and Benjamin Franklin Scholars Honors Program. Dr. Eisman is an author of over 25 research publications, abstracts and presentations. She is a junior fellow of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology and a member of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Her special interests include uterine factor infertility and fertility preservation. When Dr. Eisman isn’t at the clinic, she enjoys baking, running and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Transcription:
MythBusters: PCOS Edition
MythBusters: PCOS Edition
Maggie McKay (Host): Welcome to Fertile Edge, a podcast presented by the Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm your host, Maggie McKay. Dr. Laura Eisman, REI physician, joins us today to debunk some myths about PCOS. Thank you so much for being here today.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: Thank you for having me.
Host: So, one myth is PCOS means you have cysts on your ovaries. Is that accurate?
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: So, the name PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is misleading, because the cysts are actually small follicles or fluid-filled sacs that contain an immature egg. It's also possible to have PCOS without having a high number of follicles.
Host: So myth number two, PCOS only affects overweight people.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: PCOS can affect people of all body sizes. While it's associated with overweight and obesity, many people with PCOS are of average or low weight, and that's sometimes referred to as lean pCOS. Weight alone is not a diagnostic factor.
Host: Good to know. Okay, myth number three. You can't get pregnant if you have PCOS.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: While PCOS can make it more challenging to conceive because of irregular or no ovulation, it doesn't mean you can't get pregnant. Many people with PCOS conceive naturally or with medication to help them ovulate.
Host: Myth number four, the pill is the only treatment.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: While there's no cure for PCOS, there are several options for managing symptoms. Oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed to regulate periods and to prevent overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. But other options include lifestyle changes, other medications such as metformin and spironolactone, cosmetic treatments, such as laser hair removal and fertility treatments. And so, treatment should really be individualized based on the person's symptoms and goals.
Host: And myth number five, you just need to lose weight and you'll be fine.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: Someone with PCOS is overweight or obese, it is true that modest weight loss can improve their symptoms. However, PCOS is a complex hormonal condition. And focusing solely on weight ignores the importance of hormonal balance, insulin resistance, and mental health.
Host: Well, thank you so much for clearing up these myths on PCOS and for sharing your expertise. This has been so informative and we really appreciate your time.
Laura Eisman, MD, REI: Thank you so much for having me.
Host: Again, that's Dr. Laura Eisman. To learn more about PCOS and to schedule an appointment with an RSC fertility specialist, visit rscbayarea.com And if you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels and check out our entire podcast library for topics of interest to you. I'm Maggie McKay. Thanks for listening to Fertile Edge, a podcast from the Reproductive Science Center of the San Francisco Bay Area.