PCOS Doctor in Katy, TX
Irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, acne or weight changes can all be signs of the same hormonal condition. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step to feeling more in control.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects about one in ten women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular or missed periods, higher androgen levels and ovaries with many small follicles, and it raises the risk of insulin resistance. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy confirms the diagnosis and builds a treatment plan around your symptoms and goals.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS involves an imbalance in reproductive hormones that affects ovulation. When ovulation is irregular, periods become unpredictable, and the ovaries may develop many small fluid-filled follicles. Higher levels of androgens, sometimes called male hormones, can cause acne, excess facial or body hair and thinning scalp hair.
Despite its name, PCOS is not only about the ovaries. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which can make weight harder to manage and increases the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Infrequent periods can also allow the uterine lining to build up, which increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia over time.
The good news is that PCOS is very manageable. With the right care, most women can regulate their cycles, improve symptoms and protect their long-term health.
Signs of PCOS and Related Health Risks
PCOS looks different in every woman, and you do not need every symptom to have it.
Common signs
- Irregular, infrequent or missed periods
- Excess hair on the face, chest or abdomen (hirsutism)
- Persistent acne or oily skin
- Thinning hair on the scalp
- Weight gain, especially around the waist
- Darkened skin patches on the neck or underarms
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
Long-term health considerations
- Insulin resistance and prediabetes
- Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes
- High cholesterol and blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Thickening of the uterine lining with infrequent periods
- Anxiety and depression
Regular monitoring helps catch these risks early, when they are easiest to manage.
When Should You See a Doctor About PCOS?
Make an appointment if:
- Your periods come less than every 35 days or you have fewer than eight a year
- You have gone three months or more without a period and are not pregnant
- You notice new facial or body hair growth, persistent acne or scalp hair thinning
- You have been trying to conceive without success
- You have a PCOS diagnosis but have not had recent blood sugar or cholesterol testing
Seek prompt care for very heavy bleeding that soaks a pad every hour for several hours, bleeding with dizziness or fainting, or sudden severe pelvic pain. Call 911 in an emergency. Learn more about heavy period care.
PCOS Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with more than 21 years of experience in medicine. She also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is valuable in PCOS care, where treatment often combines hormonal medication, insulin-sensitizing medication and treatments for skin and hair symptoms.
She takes time to understand what matters most to you, whether that is regular cycles, clearer skin, weight support or planning a pregnancy, and builds a plan around those priorities.
How PCOS Is Diagnosed
PCOS is usually diagnosed when at least two of these three features are present, and other conditions have been ruled out:
- Irregular or absent ovulation: shown by irregular or missed periods.
- Signs of higher androgen levels: such as excess hair growth or acne, or elevated testosterone on a blood test.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound: many small follicles or enlarged ovaries.
Your evaluation may include blood tests for hormones, thyroid function and prolactin, a pelvic ultrasound, and screening for blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.
Treatment Options for PCOS
Treatment is tailored to your symptoms and to whether you are trying to become pregnant now.
Regulating cycles and hormones
- Lifestyle support: nutrition, activity and sleep habits. Even modest weight loss, when appropriate, can improve cycles and insulin levels.
- Hormonal birth control: to regulate periods, protect the uterine lining and reduce acne and hair growth.
- Cyclic progestin: to bring on regular periods and protect the uterine lining for women who prefer not to use birth control.
- Metformin: to improve insulin resistance in selected patients.
Skin, hair and fertility
- Anti-androgen medication: such as spironolactone for unwanted hair and acne. It must not be used during pregnancy, so reliable contraception is needed.
- Hair removal and skin care: to complement medical treatment.
- Ovulation support: medications such as letrozole for women trying to conceive, with referral to a fertility specialist when needed.
- Screening and follow-up: for blood sugar, cholesterol and mood.
Every medication has benefits and possible side effects. Dr. Elshatanoufy will review these with you and adjust your plan over time.
What Can You Expect From Treatment?
Many women see more regular cycles within a few months of starting treatment. Acne often improves within two to three months, while unwanted hair growth responds more slowly, usually over six months or longer. PCOS is a long-term condition, so ongoing visits help keep your cycles, metabolic health and goals on track.
PCOS Care in Katy, Texas
Hormonal care that looks at your cycles, skin, metabolism and future plans together.
- Board-certified OB/GYN
- Physician with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree
- Hormonal and non-hormonal options
- Metabolic screening and follow-up
- Fertility goals respected in every plan
- Unhurried, respectful visits
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About PCOS
Can you have PCOS without cysts on your ovaries?
Yes. Despite the name, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound are only one of three possible features. Many women are diagnosed based on irregular periods and signs of higher androgen levels.
Can you have PCOS and normal weight?
Yes. PCOS affects women of every body size. Insulin resistance and other features can be present even at a normal weight.
Is PCOS curable?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be well controlled with treatment. Many women live with PCOS with very few symptoms once they find the right plan.
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Many women with PCOS do become pregnant, sometimes with help to support ovulation. We can discuss options and refer you to a fertility specialist when appropriate.
Does birth control treat PCOS?
Hormonal birth control does not cure PCOS, but it can regulate periods, protect the uterine lining and reduce acne and unwanted hair.
Why does PCOS increase diabetes risk?
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning the body needs more insulin to keep blood sugar normal. Over time this can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, so regular screening is recommended.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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PCOS evaluations, ultrasound review, lab follow-up and treatment visits take place at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320. We welcome new patients from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and West Houston.
Ready to Take Control of PCOS?
Get a clear diagnosis and a plan that fits your life and your goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494