Trinity Women's Health

Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Murrieta, CA

If you’re troubled by missed periods, unwanted facial or body hair, or infertility, you may have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Dr. Joan Hazel Calinisan, Dr. Frances S. Kim, and Dr. Nerissa C. Safie at Trinity Women’s Health are experts at helping you resolve PCOS symptoms and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Trinity Women’s Health is the only all-female OB/GYN center in Murrieta, California. Reach the friendly team by phone or online booking form for a PCOS evaluation today.


What’s PCOS?

Even though PCOS stands for “polycystic ovary syndrome,” you may or may not have cysts on your ovaries. Instead, PCOS is a hormonal condition in which you have higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens), low levels of the female hormone progesterone, and an abnormal reaction to insulin. Your body uses insulin to deliver blood sugar to your cells.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Your unbalanced hormones can cause a variety of symptoms related to the body functions they regulate. Some common PCOS symptoms include:

  • Excess, unwanted hair
  • Hair loss
  • Weight gain
  • Infertility
  • Erratic periods
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia and fatigue

Untreated PCOS can lead to diabetes. PCOS raises your risk for other health conditions, including high blood pressure and uterine cancer.

Why do I have PCOS?

Researchers aren’t sure what causes PCOS. You’re more likely to develop it if a close female relative has it, too.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Usually, your OB/GYN discovers that you have PCOS after you complain about missed periods, erratic periods, or difficulties getting pregnant. Your Trinity OB/GYN may administer various blood tests to determine if your hormones are unbalanced and evaluate your ovarian function.

She may also order an ultrasound to see if you have cysts on your ovaries that are affecting your fertility. Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, or Dr. Safie might rule out other reasons for your symptoms by looking for thyroid problems, organ swelling, and tumors.

How does an OB/GYN treat PCOS?

Dr. Calinisan, Dr. Kim, or Dr. Safie designs a treatment plan based on your unique hormonal profile, symptoms, and desires. Some common therapies for PCOS include:

  • Healthier diet and more exercise
  • Progestin to regulate periods and lower your chance of uterine cancer
  • Metformin to help with weight loss and prevent diabetes
  • Spironolactone to stop excessive hair growth (may cause congenital disabilities)
  • Clomiphene, letrozole, or gonadotropin to trigger ovulation

If medications don’t resolve your PCOS-related infertility, your Trinity OB/GYN may refer you to a fertility specialist for in vitro fertilization (IVF).

When you’re having trouble getting pregnant or have irregular periods, contact the Trinity team for a PCOS evaluation. You can use the online form or call the friendly staff.