Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — officially renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) in May 2026 by international consensus published in The Lancet — affects roughly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Both names refer to the same condition; we use PCOS/PMOS interchangeably here so patients searching either term find accurate information. In South Florida, cultural and dietary patterns often accelerate the insulin-resistant phenotype. Long-term management goes far beyond birth control — it targets metabolic health, fertility, mental health and cardiovascular risk. This guide summarizes what patients in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach need to know.
Recognizing PCOS Symptoms
Irregular or missed periods, acne along the jawline, hair thinning at the crown, unwanted facial/body hair (hirsutism), difficulty losing weight, skin darkening at the neck (acanthosis nigricans), and infertility are the most common signals. Many South Florida patients also present with mood changes and sugar cravings driven by underlying insulin resistance.
Diagnosis — The Rotterdam Criteria
A formal PCOS diagnosis requires 2 of 3: (1) irregular ovulation, (2) clinical or lab evidence of androgen excess (testosterone, DHEA-S), (3) polycystic-appearing ovaries on transvaginal ultrasound. A complete work-up also includes TSH, prolactin, 17-OH progesterone, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, A1c, lipid panel, and vitamin D — critical to rule out mimics and quantify metabolic risk.
Insulin Resistance — The Metabolic Root
About 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance regardless of body weight. This drives androgen excess, weight gain around the waist, and increases lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes and MASLD/fatty liver. First-line tools include Mediterranean-style low-glycemic nutrition, resistance training, myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol (40:1), metformin, and — in metabolically higher-risk patients — GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP therapy.
Hormonal Health & Long-Term Treatment
Combined oral contraceptives regularize cycles and reduce androgen symptoms; spironolactone targets hirsutism and acne; letrozole is first-line for ovulation induction when pregnancy is desired. Long-term care must also protect bone (vitamin D, calcium, weight-bearing exercise), the endometrium (progestin protection when cycles are absent), and cardiometabolic health (annual A1c, lipids, blood pressure).
PCOS Care in Miami — What to Expect at S&S Endo
At our Doral-area clinic, Dr. Irina Delgado Varela (board-certified endocrinologist) builds a personalized plan combining metabolic labs, targeted medication, evidence-based nutrition, and referrals to gynecology and fertility partners when needed. We coordinate labs at Labcorp/Quest locations across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. Bilingual care in English and Spanish. Call (305) 209-2191.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have PCOS with regular periods?
Do I need to see a gynecologist or an endocrinologist for PCOS?
Is a PCOS specialist in Miami covered by insurance?
This content is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice. Please consult an endocrinologist for personal guidance.
Sources and content history
Author / credited medical reviewer: Irina C. Delgado Varela, MD
Editorially updated: . Original publication date has not been recorded. Clinical review date has not been recorded.