Author: Capital Women's Care

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Deeper Understanding

At Capital Women’s Care, we believe patients deserve to understand what’s happening in their bodies—not just to treat symptoms, but to feel empowered and informed. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, can be a confusing and frustrating diagnosis. It affects hormones, metabolism, and menstrual cycles—and it can look different in each person. Some patients come in because they’re not having regular periods. Others are concerned about skin changes, unwanted hair growth, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Some are diagnosed after years of wondering why they’ve always struggled with weight or irregular cycles. Whatever path brings you here, our goal is to help you make sense of the condition and find a plan that fits your life.

PCOS Starts with a Hormonal Imbalance—But It Doesn’t End There

While we often think of PCOS as a “hormone problem,” it’s more accurate to think of it as a whole-body condition—one that affects how your body processes energy, regulates your hormones, and responds to signals between the brain, ovaries, and other organs.

At the center of PCOS is something called insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body move sugar out of the blood and into your cells for energy. When your cells don’t respond to insulin the way they should, your body compensates by making more of it. That excess insulin has ripple effects throughout your system.

High insulin levels can tell the ovaries to produce more androgens (male-pattern hormones like testosterone). They can also reduce a protein called SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which normally keeps androgens in check. As a result, you may have more free testosterone, which can cause acne, unwanted hair growth on the face or body, and sometimes scalp hair thinning.

At the same time, insulin resistance tends to promote weight gain around the midsection, which itself makes insulin resistance worse. This becomes a cycle that feeds on itself—more insulin, more androgen, more weight gain, more hormonal disruption.

How Does This Affect the Menstrual Cycle?

Your menstrual cycle depends on a delicate balance of signals between your brain (specifically, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland) and your ovaries. Every month, the brain sends hormones that tell the ovary to grow a follicle and release an egg—this is ovulation. After ovulation, another hormone called progesterone is produced. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone drops, and your period begins.

In PCOS, the hormonal feedback loops get disrupted. The extra androgens and estrogen (from both the ovaries and fat tissue) send confusing signals back to the brain, which can interfere with ovulation. Without ovulation, there’s no progesterone. Without progesterone, the endometrium (lining of the uterus) continues to build up under the influence of estrogen, often for weeks or months at a time. This can lead to infrequent or very heavy periods—and over time, can increase the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, or thickening of the uterine lining, which we take seriously.

For this reason, even if you’re not trying to become pregnant, it’s important that you have some way of protecting the uterus, either by triggering regular bleeding (with hormonal medication) or by using treatments that keep the lining thin and healthy.

What Else Does PCOS Affect?

Because insulin resistance is at the core, PCOS can increase your risk over time for medical conditions like:

  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides
  • High blood pressure
  • Sleep apnea, especially in those with central weight gain
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Possibly long-term cardiovascular disease

This doesn’t mean these problems are inevitable, but it does mean we want to monitor for them and work on prevention. Depending on your situation, we may recommend screening labs or coordinate with your primary care provider for long-term follow-up.

Diagnosing PCOS: No Single Test, No One-Size-Fits-All

There is no single blood test or ultrasound that diagnoses PCOS. We make the diagnosis based on patterns—irregular ovulation, signs of excess androgen, and sometimes a particular appearance of the ovaries on ultrasound. At the same time, we rule out other conditions that can mimic PCOS, like thyroid disorders or elevated prolactin.

We may order lab tests to look at hormone levels (like testosterone or DHEAS), and we often check markers of metabolic health, like blood sugar (glucose, A1c), cholesterol, and sometimes insulin levels. Imaging studies like pelvic ultrasounds can be helpful, but they are not always necessary. And importantly, in adolescents or very young adults, we often choose not to give the PCOS label—even if some signs are present—because their reproductive systems are still maturing, and we want to avoid premature or unnecessary labeling.

How is PCOS Treated?

The best treatment for PCOS depends on your goals. Are you mostly concerned about irregular bleeding? Acne or unwanted hair? Hoping to become pregnant? Looking to reduce long-term health risks? Often, we’re working on several of these at once.

For those not trying to conceive, we often use hormonal contraception (such as the pill, patch, ring, or hormonal IUD) to regulate periods, lower androgen levels, and protect the uterine lining. These options are safe for most patients and offer multiple benefits beyond contraception.

For those hoping to become pregnant, restoring ovulation becomes the goal. That may involve weight loss, improved exercise and nutrition, and sometimes medications like metformin, which improves insulin sensitivity and may help regulate cycles. When it’s time to actively pursue pregnancy, medications like letrozole (used to stimulate ovulation) can be very effective, and we can help guide you or refer you to fertility specialists if needed.

For skin-related symptoms like acne or hirsutism, hormonal treatments may take several months to show results. In some cases, we also prescribe spironolactone, which blocks androgen effects, though it requires appropriate monitoring and cannot be used during pregnancy.

Many patients benefit from metformin even outside of pregnancy planning. It can improve cycle regularity, reduce insulin levels, and support weight management. We often prescribe it as a first step when there’s clear evidence of insulin resistance.

Finally, lifestyle changes—such as regular physical activity, more balanced nutrition, better sleep, and stress reduction—are foundational. That said, we recognize that these aren’t always easy, and we try to approach these conversations with compassion, not judgment. Even small improvements can make a big difference, and we’ll support you in finding what’s realistic for you.

What’s the Outlook?

PCOS is a lifelong condition, but it’s also highly manageable. You are not broken. This is not your fault. And you are not alone. With the right care and support, most patients with PCOS are able to manage their symptoms, achieve healthy pregnancies if desired, and reduce their long-term risks. Our role is to help you understand your body, make informed decisions, and feel confident in your care.

📞 If you have questions or want to talk about your treatment options, please call us: (301) 681-9101

Understanding PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—often called PCOS—is a common condition that affects hormones, metabolism, and periods. It can show up in different ways: irregular or missed periods, extra facial or body hair, acne, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Not everyone has all of these symptoms, and the condition can change over time.

Why does PCOS happen?

PCOS is often connected to something called insulin resistance—when your body has a harder time using insulin properly. This can lead to hormone imbalances, weight gain (especially around the middle), and problems with ovulation. Some people also make more androgens (“male” hormones), which can cause symptoms like acne or unwanted hair growth.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There’s no single test for PCOS. Diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, blood work, and sometimes ultrasound. It’s also important to rule out other causes, like thyroid or hormone problems. In teenagers, we may hold off on making a diagnosis—since hormones are still maturing and periods can naturally be irregular for a few years after starting.

What does PCOS mean for my health?

PCOS can affect more than just your period. It may increase your risk for:

  • Trouble getting pregnant (due to irregular ovulation)
  • Diabetes or prediabetes
  • High cholesterol and blood pressure
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Endometrial (uterine) lining becoming too thick if periods are very far apart

How is PCOS treated?

There are many ways to manage PCOS, and treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Some options include:

  • Hormonal birth control to regulate periods, reduce acne, or protect the uterine lining
  • Metformin, a medication that can help with blood sugar and regulate cycles
  • Lifestyle changes—like eating well, staying active, and improving sleep
  • Medications to help with unwanted hair or acne
  • Ovulation support, if you’re trying to become pregnant

We’ll work with you to come up with a plan that fits your needs and health goals. That may include other members of your care team, like your primary doctor or an endocrinologist.

You’re not alone.

PCOS is common, manageable, and different for every person. Whether you’re dealing with irregular periods, skin changes, or are just looking for answers—we’re here to help.

📞 Call us anytime: (301) 681-9101

 

Addressing Tylenol and Autism Claims

We are aware of the recent statements made by Secretary Kennedy and President Trump regarding a possible causal link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. Autism arises from a combination of genetic and environmental influences, and conditions this complex are rarely explained by a single factor. It is also not one uniform condition, but has many different presentations across individuals. The rise in autism diagnoses reflects many influences, including evolving diagnostic criteria, increased awareness among physicians and parents, and greater willingness to seek a diagnosis given improved therapies and support.

Any search for answers must never be seen as an attempt to place blame on parents—especially mothers—nor should it diminish the value and contributions of those who live with autism.

The general consensus in the scientific community is that there is insufficient evidence to conclude that acetaminophen causes autism. Several small studies have suggested possible associations, while others have not. The largest study to date, conducted in Sweden and including 2.4 million children born between 1995 and 2019, found no link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. Importantly, there are many confounding factors in this research, including the reasons why women take the medication. Fever, for example, is itself associated with pregnancy complications, particularly in the first trimester.

There are a few small studies looking at leucovorin in autism, but the data are preliminary and far from conclusive. It would be premature to view it as either a treatment or prevention, and further research is warranted. Starting treatments before sufficient data exist has often led to unintended adverse outcomes, and caution is warranted.

The bottom line is that more research is needed. At Capital Women’s Care, we strive to remain unbiased and to practice medicine with empathy, thoughtfulness, and the best available evidence. We look forward to one day having clearer answers to many of the questions that remain, including those surrounding autism. In the meantime, we join the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and many other medical organizations in stating that acetaminophen is considered a safe option for pain and fever during pregnancy.

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month

Each September, we take time to raise awareness about gynecological cancers, including ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. These cancers affect thousands of women each year, and early detection and prevention remain the most powerful tools in protecting women’s health. At Capital Women’s Care, we are committed to helping our patients understand their risks and take proactive steps toward prevention and early diagnosis.

One important resource we offer is hereditary cancer screening. Research shows that up to 10% of cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations passed down through families. If you have a family history of cancer, genetic testing can help identify whether you carry a gene mutation that may increase your risk—and potentially the risk for your children. With this knowledge, you and your healthcare team can create a personalized plan to monitor your health more closely and take preventive measures when appropriate.

This Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage you to talk with your Capital Women’s Care provider about your family history and whether hereditary cancer screening may be right for you. Awareness, education, and early action save lives—and we are here to support you every step of the way.

What to Know About a Water Birth: Benefits, Safety, and How to Prepare

Many expectant parents consider a personalized birth experience to be an important, meaningful conclusion to their pregnancy journey. That may be why water birth is becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking a gentler, more natural labor process. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of non-medicated pain relief or want a more calming environment, water birth can provide a very special experience that’s worth consideration.

At Capital Women’s Care, we’ve seen growing interest in water births here in Rockville and Silver Spring are proud to support families exploring this option with safety, comfort, and expert care. Below, we explore the ins and outs of water births so you can feel empowered to make the best decision for your family. Continue reading “What to Know About a Water Birth: Benefits, Safety, and How to Prepare”

Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be

If you’ve got a baby on the way and travel plans on the calendar, you may be wondering: Is it safe to travel while pregnant?

The good news? For most moms-to-be with healthy pregnancies, traveling during pregnancy is perfectly safe—especially in the second trimester. That said, summer brings extra considerations like heat, hydration, and long hours on the road or in the air.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling during pregnancy in summer 2025, from when to go to how to stay safe along the way.

Continue reading “Is It Safe to Travel During Pregnancy? Summer 2025 Tips for Moms-to-Be”

Perimenopause in Your 40s: What’s Happening and What Can Help

By David Wagar, MD – Capital Women’s Care

If your 40s have started to feel strange — physically, emotionally, hormonally — you’re not imagining it. Perimenopause is real. For some, it’s subtle; for others, it’s a full-blown storm. But either way, the more you understand what’s happening, the more empowered you’ll be to face it with strength, humor, and support.

Given the chance, I’m not sure any of us would volunteer to go back and relive the tumult of puberty. Bewildering hormonal surges. Aggravating body changes. Emotions that can’t seem to be controlled. It’s the stuff of legend. Countless books and movies have mined the drama, from the silliness of Big, Freaky Friday, and 13 Going on 30 to the poignancy of Inside Out 2. Most of us have memories of acne, smelly armpits, weird growth spurts, and an internal world we barely understood.

Fortunately, the dust eventually settled. Our frontal lobes matured (well, mostly), and we found some stability in our 20s and 30s. But for women, that’s not the end of the story.

Perimenopause: Puberty in Reverse

While puberty is about your ovaries waking up, perimenopause is about them winding down. And yet, most of us had some version of “the talk” before puberty — an awkward but well-meaning explanation of what was coming. But when it comes to perimenopause? Radio silence. No talk. No roadmap. Just surprises.

During puberty, the hypothalamus and pituitary (two centers in the brain) begin sending signals to the ovaries, which start maturing follicles (eggs) in response to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). One dominant follicle produces increasing levels of estradiol (E2), the primary form of estrogen during the reproductive years.

A mid-cycle surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation. The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone in the second half of the cycle. If no pregnancy occurs, progesterone drops, the uterine lining sheds, and a new cycle begins.

Why Your 40s Feel So Unpredictable

By your 40s, you’ve been cycling for decades. But here’s the catch: you were born with all the eggs you’ll ever have — about 6 to 7 million oocytes at 20 weeks of fetal development. That number drops to 1 to 2 million by birth, and by puberty, you’re down to roughly 300,000 to 500,000. Each cycle, 8–12 follicles are recruited, but only one ovulates. The rest die off in a process called atresia.

So in your 40s, the follicles that remain are fewer and often less responsive to hormonal signals. Ovulation becomes less consistent, hormone levels swing more widely, and symptoms start to surface.

What a “Normal” Cycle Looks Like

In your 20s and 30s, assuming you’re not on hormonal contraception, estradiol rises from about 30 pg/mL early in the cycle to a peak around 200–400 pg/mL before ovulation. After ovulation, it dips to 100–250 pg/mL, then drops back to baseline before your period.

Progesterone stays low (<1 ng/mL) until after ovulation, when it rises sharply and typically peaks above 20 ng/mL. If no pregnancy occurs, levels fall, triggering your period.

The truth is, your hormones were never “balanced.” That’s a myth. They were rhythmic, but also dynamic, shifting, and often chaotic. And still, you managed them with grace and consistency.

In Perimenopause, the Pattern Breaks

Now enter perimenopause. Estrogen and progesterone levels still rise and fall — but unpredictably. Some cycles, your estrogen barely reaches 50 pg/mL, and you feel every bit of it: hot flashes, mood swings, poor sleep. Then out of nowhere, your ovaries go into overdrive, and your E2 spikes into the 500s. You might get a strong ovulation, followed by a big surge in progesterone, and then a period that feels like you’re 16 again: heavier, crampier, and more intense than anything you’ve had in years.

And then? Nothing. Maybe no cycle for months. Or two heavy ones back-to-back. It’s unpredictable. It’s not linear. It’s not fair. But it is normal.

That said, if you’re experiencing bleeding that’s very heavy, prolonged, or occurs more frequently than every three weeks, it’s worth checking in. Not all bleeding changes in your 40s are harmless — sometimes they’re a sign that something else needs to be ruled out.

You might also notice weight shifting — especially around your midsection — even if nothing has changed with your eating or activity. That’s not a failure on your part. Hormonal changes, aging, and slower metabolism all contribute. It’s common, and you’re not alone.

Feeling Better Without Hormones: What Really Helps

At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay, that’s enough of the science. I already feel off — can we talk about what might actually help?”

Fortunately, the answer is yes. There’s a lot you can do — and many of these changes are not only good for your hormones, but great for your overall health.

1. Exercise — every day you can

  • Exercise is one of the most powerful tools you have.
  • Regular physical activity improves hot flashes, sleep, mood, brain function, and more.

Here’s what works best:

  • Consistency over intensity: 20–30 minutes most days
  • 6–7 days a week is ideal
  • Strength training deserves priority:
    • If you work out five days a week, aim for three strength-focused sessions
    • If you exercise six or seven days, make sure four of those include strength

2. Vitamin D and Calcium

  • Critical for bone health, mood, and immune function
  • Get them through food and safe sun exposure when possible
  • Supplements often needed:
    • 1,200 mg of calcium daily
    • 800–2,000 IU of vitamin D, depending on needs

3. Prioritize Sleep

  • Aim for 7–9 hours each night
  • Supports hormone regulation, cognition, and emotional health

4. Mental Health Matters

Perimenopause doesn’t just affect your body — it often impacts how you think, feel, and handle the stress of daily life.

You don’t have to go through it alone. Therapy, counseling, or even just a space to talk things through can make a huge difference. This isn’t about weakness — it’s about support for your whole self. If you think you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.

Hormone Therapy: A Tailored Approach

When lifestyle support isn’t enough — or symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life — hormone therapy may be a great option. But there’s no one-size-fits-all plan.

1. Combined hormonal contraception

  • The pill, patch, or ring can stabilize hormones and provide contraception
  • Useful for perimenopausal women who still need birth control or want regular cycles

2. Progesterone IUD + Estrogen

  • Offers local endometrial protection and contraception
  • Estrogen can be added and dosed flexibly

3. Estrogen delivery methods

  • Oral pills
  • Transdermal patches or gels
  • Vaginal rings (some provide systemic estrogen)

Transdermal options may be preferable — they bypass the liver and are often safer for those with specific risk factors.

4. Progesterone choices

  • Can be taken alone or with estrogen
  • Available as pills or vaginal inserts
  • Cyclical or continuous regimens depending on goals

5. Testosterone

May support libido, energy, and wellbeing in some women — but not a universal fix. Should be carefully dosed and monitored.

If you’re not sure what next step is right for you, talk to one of us at Capital Women’s Care. We’re here to listen, guide, and help you feel like yourself again.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Perimenopause can feel like a wild and unpredictable ride — physically, emotionally, hormonally. The symptoms may surprise you. The timing may frustrate you. And just when you think you’ve figured it out, your body may change the rules again.

But here’s the truth: you are not alone, and you are not powerless. Whether your symptoms are mild or overwhelming, there are tools, choices, and support available. Some women feel better with lifestyle changes alone. Others benefit from hormone therapy or a combination approach. There’s no right answer except the one that works for you.

So if your 40s have left you wondering what’s going on — take heart. What you’re feeling is real. It’s valid. And with the right guidance, you can navigate this season with strength, humor, and grace.

You’ve made it through puberty. You’ll make it through this too.

At Capital Women’s Care, our experienced providers are here to support you through every stage of your journey — with personalized care, expert guidance, and treatment options that work for your lifestyle. Call us today at (301) 681-9101 to start feeling like yourself again.

How Do I Know If I Have a Uterine Prolapse?

How can you tell if you have a uterine prolapse? In some cases, there may be no obvious symptoms at all. Yet, this condition affects up to 50% of women between the ages of 50 and 79. Keep reading to learn what uterine prolapse is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch for, and the steps you can take to manage it.

Continue reading “How Do I Know If I Have a Uterine Prolapse?”

The Wonder of Motherhood – A Mother’s Day Reflection

By David Wagar, MD – Capital Women’s Care

As Mother’s Day approaches, we pause to honor one of the most miraculous, powerful, and awe-inspiring realities in all of life: motherhood.

To witness a woman create life—to grow a whole new person within her own body—is to behold something sacred. It is an everyday miracle that never loses its wonder. And the work of nurturing that life—feeding, loving, comforting, teaching, guiding—that work is nothing short of heroic.

At Capital Women’s Care, we count it a privilege to walk with women through this journey. From that first positive test to the final push in labor; from sleepless nights with newborns to school drop-offs and beyond—we see the strength, grace, and relentless devotion of mothers every day.

But we also know that for some, Mother’s Day brings heartache. For those who have longed for children and faced infertility. For those who have carried life and experienced loss. For those whose stories include pain where there was once hope—you are not forgotten. Your grief is real. And your courage is sacred too.

Wherever this Mother’s Day finds you—with joy or with tears, or both—know that you are seen. And you are deeply loved.

The Link Between Pelvic Floor Health and Sexual Function

When people think about sexual health, they often focus on hormones, desire, or emotional connection. But there’s another key player that’s often overlooked: your pelvic floor. This group of muscles plays a crucial role in bladder control, core stability, and yes—sexual function.

Understanding the connection between pelvic floor health and sexual well-being can help you take control of your body, improve intimacy, and feel more confident. Below, we look all all things pelvic floor: What it is, how it affects sexual function, and how you can start taking care of yours today!

Continue reading “The Link Between Pelvic Floor Health and Sexual Function”

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