Imagine your body as a complex orchestra. Every hormone playing its part in harmony. When one section falls out of sync, the entire performance shifts. That’s what happens with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially in adolescents. During puberty, hormones are already in flux, and PCOS can add another layer of challenges. 

Irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain are more than frustrating symptoms, they’re signs of an underlying hormonal imbalance that deserves attention. For pediatricians, recognizing PCOS early can make all the difference in helping teens navigate both their physical health and emotional well-being. 

In this episode, we sit down with Melanie Cree, MD, PhD, a pediatric endocrinologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Director of the Multi-Disciplinary PCOS Clinic at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a professor. 

Some highlights from this episode include: 

• Understanding why its name can be deceiving
• The role of the primary care provider in diagnosing and managing PCOS 
• Differences between abnormal and normal puberty changes 
• The impact of this lifelong disease 

For more information on Children’s Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org.