Support for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

Lifestyle changes and medication are often effective at controlling polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and preventing complications. However, changing diet and exercise habits can be challenging, especially for teens.

Specialists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone can help your daughter achieve and maintain a healthy weight. They also offer cosmetic solutions to reduce sometimes embarrassing signs and symptoms, such as excess facial and body hair, thinning scalp hair, and severe acne.

Nutritional Support

Our experts promote awareness of the quality and nutritional value of the foods we eat. Registered dietitians work with you to design a healthy menu to help your child lose weight, reduce insulin resistance, and combat other complications of PCOS. They may also recommend family cooking classes and local farmers’ markets to make it easier to prepare and obtain nutritious food. These child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Cosmetic Support

Weight loss and medications to treat the symptoms of PCOS can take several months to have a noticeable effect. In the meantime, our doctors can refer your daughter to dermatologists who can prescribe oral and topical medications to help improve symptoms, such as unwanted facial hair and acne.

Psychological Support

Coping with PCOS can be difficult for an adolescent. Many PCOS symptoms can be embarrassing and distressing. Also, teens may have trouble adhering to a daily treatment regimen, which involves taking medication, increasing physical activity, and losing weight.

Our psychologists offer counseling to children and adolescents with PCOS, which can help reinforce the importance of treatment in reducing symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Our counselors also work with teens to reduce any anxiety about their appearance.