PCOS Program for Adolescents Launched by RMACT
Pediatric Patients Receive Comprehensive Care from Reproductive Endocrinologist, Nutritionist and Nurses Specializing in PCOS Diagnosis and Care
Help for PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment
As Fairfield County’s leading fertility clinic and egg donation center, Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT) is experienced in diagnosing and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility. The practice has helped hundreds of adults successfully manage their PCOS symptoms through a unique, comprehensive team approach that allows patients to have diagnostic evaluation, nutrition counseling, physical examination, endocrine consultations and ongoing monitoring – all through one practice. Now adolescent and young adult patients will have the same opportunity.
“Too many of our patients come to us in their late 20’s or 30’s when they are having trouble getting pregnant,” says Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist who is leading the RMACT Pediatric Adolescent Program. “These patients have been suffering with PCOS symptoms for years, sometimes since puberty. PCOS often goes undiagnosed, which leaves the patient vulnerable to frustration and long-term health issues. We want to reach these patients earlier and help them manage their PCOS; we want to reach them in their teens.”
RMACT’s Adolescent PCOS Program provides a three-pronged approach for PCOS patients: nutrition, hormone management, and education. Early detection for PCOS diagnosis enables patients to manage their condition and limit the long-term affects of PCOS, including diabetes, heart disease, elevated cholesterol, endometrial cancer, hypertension, thyroid issues, sleep apnea, and later on, infertility. Each patient is cared for by a complete PCOS team: Dr. Joshua M. Hurwitz; Carolyn Gundell, M.S.; Monica Moore, nurse practitioner; Diana D’Amelio, RPA-C; Eloise Downs, registered nurse.
Understanding PCOS in Adolescents
RMACT Adolescent PCOS patient care starts with two appointments during PCOS Clinic hours on Monday’s at RMACT’s Norwalk, CT office. These appointments are comprised of a medical consultation that includes medical history, PCOS nutrition counseling, and a complete lab work up to evaluate hormone levels a including two-hour glucose test. There is also a strong educational component to inform patients about what PCOS is and how it can be managed through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and, in some cases, hormonal medication. Parents are also encouraged to take advantage of RMACT’s educational resources. Upon completion of these initial visits, the team makes a diagnosis and recommends a treatment plan, which can be continued at any of RMACT’s three locations in Norwalk, Stamford or Danbury.
In addition to comprehensive one-on-one appointments, RMACT offers workshops and seminars to help patients and their parents learn about the condition and how to manage it. Grocery Store Tours, peer support groups, and PCOS and lifestyle seminars are offered on a regular basis and many are free and open to the public.
Local pediatrician Dr. Elin Cohen of Black Rock Pediatrics in Fairfield, CT says: “As a physician, I’m concerned with both the long-term effects of PCOS and the immediate challenges such as skin and weight issues. For the teen herself, the skin and weight problems may be more pressing. I’m excited that all aspects of PCOS are being handled in one place through a unified program, especially since RMACT has a team approach and PCOS peer support.”
PCOS is a very common hormonal imbalance that affects eight to 10 percent of all females. It is the most common hormonal disorder of the reproductive years and is a complex condition that begins during puberty and lasts throughout the reproductive years. PCOS leads to hormonal imbalances and disorders in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and these metabolic problems will continue for the entire lifespan, even after menopause. While the exact cause is unclear, research suggests that genetic factors, environment factors and insulin resistance all play a role in the development of PCOS.
About Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut (RMACT)
RMACT specializes in the treatment of infertility, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in-vitro fertilization (IVF), and Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS). RMACT, Fairfield County’s largest fertility clinic and egg donation center, is one of 11 leading In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) centers nationwide chosen by In Vitro Sciences to participate in its Centers of Excellence program. RMACT has offices in Norwalk, Danbury and Stamford, and affiliate New York fertility clinics serving Putnam and Dutchess counties. RMACT also offers infertility treatment financing and support services through RMACT Integrated Fertility & Wellness Center, such as nutrition counseling, massage therapy, psychological counseling, acupuncture and yoga.
The RMACT team of Board-Certified Reproductive Endocrinologists includes Drs. Mark P. Leondires, Spencer S. Richlin, Joshua M. Hurwitz and Cynthia M. Murdock. All physicians are members of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Fairfield County and Connecticut Medical Societies. RMA of CT’s IVF laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and CLIA; other accreditations include the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) and the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). For more information visit RMACT.com or find us on Facebook.