Contact Information

Multidisciplinary Care Center for PCOS

55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA  02114

Phone: 617-726-8433
Fax: 617-724-2718

Explore This Center

    About the Multidisciplinary Care Center for PCOS

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects one in every eight women, making it the most common hormonal condition among women. It can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain throughout your life. Treatment involves working closely with your doctor to optimize your health, which may include taking medications to treat your symptoms or lower your risk of related diseases.

    As part of the Massachusetts General Hospital Reproductive Endocrine Unit, the Multidisciplinary Care Center for PCOS provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for PCOS, PCOS-related diseases, and PCOS-related infertility. Our weight-inclusive practice focuses on your overall health and well-being. We work closely with your primary care provider to ensure seamless and coordinated care.

    Following the international evidence-based guidelines for the assessment and management of PCOS—developed by the Endocrine Society, European Society for Endocrinology, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and American Society for Reproductive Medicine—we bring together a team of experts, including endocrinologists, reproductive endocrinologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists. We partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

    What to Expect

    At the Multidisciplinary Care Center for PCOS, we provide each patient with a complete diagnostic work-up for PCOS. This includes delivering high-quality information about your diagnosis and systematically reviewing any associated health conditions.

    Based on this comprehensive evaluation, which typically takes place in stages over the course of a year, we will develop a customized five-year life plan for managing your PCOS. From there, you can continue working towards your goals with our clinic team, or your primary care provider can treat and monitor your PCOS using the plan as a guide.

    PCOS Treatments

    While PCOS cannot be cured, its symptoms can be treated, and complications can be managed or prevented. Your medical provider may discuss the following treatment options with you:

    • Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle adjustments can help lower blood pressure, improve insulin resistance, and in some women, regulate menstrual periods. For some women, this may also include support for managing weight and addressing any struggles with disordered eating.
    • Birth control pills: Estrogen-containing birth control pills are commonly used to treat PCOS, even for women who are not sexually active. These pills can lower testosterone levels, which helps reduce acne and unwanted hair growth. They can also protect you against endometrial cancer by preventing a thickening of the uterine lining (the endometrium).
    • Spironolactone: This medication can improve acne and decrease unwanted hair growth, but it needs to be taken for several months before it becomes fully effective. It is not safe for pregnant women, so it shouldn't be used if you are trying to get pregnant or are sexually active without reliable birth control.
    • Hair removal: Shaving, waxing, and using depilatory (hair removal) creams can be used for temporary removal of extra body hair. Permanent hair-removal methods include electrolysis and laser treatments (such as those offered by dermatology).

    Research

    Clinical Trials

    If you're interested in learning more about clinical trials for patients with PCOS, you can find additional information here.

    Our Publications

    Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS

    What is PCOS?

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in one out of every 8 women (13%). At least two of the following features must be present to diagnose PCOS:

    • Changes in menstrual periods: This includes irregular periods or periods stopping altogether.
    • Excessive hair growth, hair loss, or acne: You might experience excessive hair growth on the face and/or body, hair loss on the top of the head (female pattern hair loss), or persistent acne. These symptoms are often linked to increased levels of androgens (hormones like testosterone).
    • Ovaries with multiple follicles: Also known as cysts, these are harmless, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries, or an elevated anti-mullerian hormone level (determined by a blood test).
    How does my doctor diagnose PCOS?

    There is no single test that can diagnose PCOS. Since other diseases can mimic PCOS, a comprehensive evaluation is recommended if you have symptoms of PCOS. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, menstrual cycle, family history, and general health. Your doctor will perform a physician exam and may order blood tests to check hormone levels, blood sugar, and cholesterol. An ultrasound of your ovaries may be performed.

    What causes PCOS?

    PCOS is a polygenic condition which means that many small changes in your genes contribute to your risk for developing it. Genes carry information that determines features and characteristics passed down (inherited) to you from your parents.

    Does PCOS put me at risk for other health problems?

    Women with PCOS are more likely to develop heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and a liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Women with PCOS are also more likely to report depression, anxiety, and struggles with eating and weight management.

    Why are my periods so irregular?

    Most women with PCOS do not ovulate (release an egg) every month. When ovulation doesn't occur, periods become irregular. Periods can be:

    • Short—less than 21 days between periods
    • Long—more than 35 days between periods
    Why do I get acne or excess hair growth or loss?
    Skin and hair are very sensitive to small changes in androgen levels (like testosterone), which can be higher in women with PCOS. This can cause:
    • Acne, particularly on the chin, jawline, and around the mouth
    • Dark, coarse hair growth on the face and body
    • Hair loss from the head
    Does PCOS affect my ability to have children?

    Many women with PCOS are able to get pregnant, while some may need medical help. If you’re sexually active and not planning to get pregnant, it’s important to use birth control. If you are concerned about your fertility (ability to get pregnant), your doctor can discuss your options with you.

    What are the goals for treating PCOS?

    Treatment goals vary depending on your specific PCOS symptoms and what you find most bothersome. While PCOS can’t be cured, its symptoms can be managed, and complications can be prevented. Your doctor can help you customize a treatment approach that is right for you, helping you maintain or improve your overall health.

    What is a PCOS life plan?

    PCOS affects your health throughout your life. Best clinical practices include recommendations for evaluating and treating PCOS-related health issues at every stage of life. A PCOS life plan highlights important health outcomes and provides guidance on how often to screen for PCOS-related issues. This plan empowers you to take charge of your health and stay informed about PCOS.

    Meet Our Team

    Reproductive Endocrine

    Margaret F. Lippincott, MD, Center Director

    Ravikumar Balasubramanian, MBBS

    Frances Hayes, MBBCH, BAO

    Kathryn Martin, MD

    Stephanie Seminara, MD

    Maria Stamou, MD, PhD

    Nutrition

    Lead Liaison: Christina Mesbah, MS, RD, LDN

    Gastroenterology

    Lead Liaison: Kathleen E. Corey, MD, MPH, MMSc

    Psychiatry, MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health

    Lead Liaison: Edwin Raffi, MD, MPH

    Related Content

    Healthy Eating Plate

    Reproductive Endocrine Unit at MGH

    The Reproductive Endocrine Unit leads clinical and research programs and translates those findings into care for patients with reproductive disorders.

    Learn more