PCOS Print Should You See a Specialist for PCOS? Medically reviewed by linkedin Medically reviewed by Lindsey Waldman, MD, RD on November 12, 2019 Lindsey Waldman, MD, RD, is a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Lindsey Waldman, MD, RD on November 12, 2019 Written by facebook twitter linkedin Written by Nicole Galan, RN Nicole Galan, RN, is a registered nurse and the author of "The Everything Fertility Book." Learn about our editorial policy Nicole Galan, RN Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Overview Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Fertility David Jakle/Image Source/Getty Images Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most complex endocrine disorders which is part of the reason why PCOS is largely overlooked and underdiagnosed. Because of the complex hormonal changes associated with PCOS, women with the condition should work with experts trained in PCOS. A wealth of treatment options are available that can help you manage the symptoms and prevent the complications of PCOS. It is extremely important that you are comfortable with your doctor and that you advocate for your medical care. If you are unhappy with your doctor’s recommendations, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Here's what you need to know about your PCOS treatment team. Endocrinologist While your family doctor or gynecologist may suspect that you have the disorder, it’s strongly recommended that you consult with an endocrinologist for further diagnostic testing and treatment. An endocrinologist specifically treats disorders of the hormonal system. What Does an Endocrinologist Do? Reproductive Endocrinologist Reproductive endocrinologists, sometimes called fertility doctors, are endocrinologists who specialize in sex hormones and are also credentialed as an obstetrician and gynecologist. Often times a reproductive endocrinologist can manage your PCOS treatment and can even do ultrasounds in the office. Since many women with PCOS have difficulty conceiving, you will likely need to have a reproductive endocrinologist on your team. Dietitian Registered dietitians (RD) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) are food and nutrition experts who have earned at least a Bachelor’s degree in dietetics. In addition, RDs and RDNs have completed a full year of a dietetic internship, passed a credentialing exam and earn continuing education credits each year to maintain their credentials. Your RDN will provide nutrition education about PCOS, dietary supplements that may improve your condition, and develop a personalized meal plan based on your unique needs. The number of follow-up sessions will be determined based on your goals and medical needs. Follow-up sessions may involve additional nutrition education, meal planning, monitoring of supplement use, and support with eating issues. Just like physicians that specialize in one area of medicine, sometimes RDs and RDNs do as well. The RDNs at the PCOS Nutrition Center are all trained to work with women with PCOS and specialize in the condition (and have PCOS themselves). You can also find a dietitian in your area by visiting the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Once you find a list of providers near you, visit their website to see if they have experience with PCOS. Other PCOS Experts Depending on your symptoms and goals, a doctor and registered dietitian may not be the only part of your treatment team. If you struggle with mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, you may want to consult with a mental health expert. Forming a treatment team that you feel comfortable with is important. Don't be afraid to seek out other experts if needed. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. De leo V, Musacchio MC, Cappelli V, Massaro MG, Morgante G, Petraglia F. Genetic, hormonal and metabolic aspects of PCOS: an update. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2016;14(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s12958-016-0173-x Continue Reading