Gynecology · Hormonal health
PCOS Diagnosis and Treatment in Seoul
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that disrupts ovulation and can cause irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth and difficulty getting pregnant. At Hommage Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, OB/GYN specialist Dr. Park Yuna confirms PCOS with an ultrasound and blood tests, then builds a treatment plan around your own goals.
Quick answer
PCOS treatment is planned around your goal: regular periods, clearer skin, metabolic health or pregnancy. At Hommage Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, female OB/GYN specialist Dr. Park Yuna confirms polycystic ovary syndrome with the Rotterdam criteria (2 of 3 features), using a same-day ultrasound and hormone blood tests. PCOS affects about 10–13% of women, cannot be cured permanently, but responds well to lifestyle support, hormonal medicine, metformin and, for fertility, letrozole.
Key takeaways
- PCOS is a hormonal condition, not a disease of ovarian cysts; some women with PCOS have normal-looking ovaries.
- Diagnosis needs two of three features and blood tests to rule out thyroid and prolactin problems.
- Letrozole gives higher live birth rates than clomiphene for women with PCOS who want to conceive (Cochrane, 2022).
- Long-term follow-up checks blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and mood, and protects the uterine lining.
Infographic
PCOS in numbers
Women affected
Estimated prevalence across ethnicities and regions (2023 international guideline).
Rotterdam criteria
Irregular ovulation, high androgens, polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or high AMH.
Follicles per ovary
Ultrasound threshold for polycystic ovarian morphology in adults.
Weight loss
Can restore ovulation in some women who are overweight.
Letrozole evidence
6,522 women in the 2022 Cochrane review of aromatase inhibitors for PCOS.
Follow-up
Typical review interval at Hommage for cycles, symptoms and results.
PCOS care at a glance
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A hormonal condition affecting ovulation and androgen (male-type hormone) levels |
| Common signs | Irregular or missed periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, weight gain |
| How it's diagnosed | Medical history, pelvic ultrasound and hormone blood tests, using the Rotterdam criteria |
| Treatment options | Lifestyle support, hormonal medication, metformin, ovulation support, skin and hair care |
| Follow-up | Usually every 3–6 months to review your cycle, symptoms and test results |
| Reviewed by | Dr. Park Yuna, OB/GYN specialist |
Book a PCOS assessment if you have
- Fewer than eight periods a year, or cycles longer than 35 days
- Persistent adult acne, oily skin or new dark hair on the chin, chest or abdomen
- Difficulty getting pregnant after 12 months of trying (6 months if you are over 35)
- Been told you have “polycystic ovaries” but never had a full work-up
Seek urgent care instead if you have
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially with fever or vomiting
- Very heavy bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour for several hours
- A positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal imbalance in which the ovaries do not release an egg regularly and often produce higher levels of androgens. The World Health Organization estimates that it affects roughly 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and many women with PCOS have never been diagnosed.
Despite the name, PCOS is not a disease of “cysts”. The small follicles seen on ultrasound are eggs that stopped developing, not true cysts, and some women with PCOS have normal-looking ovaries. What matters is the overall pattern of ovulation, hormones and symptoms, which is why diagnosis needs more than one test. PCOS is different from an ovarian cyst , which is a single fluid-filled sac that may need its own follow-up.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose PCOS when at least two of three features are present and other causes have been ruled out. These are the internationally used Rotterdam criteria:
- Irregular or absent ovulation , usually shown by infrequent or unpredictable periods.
- Signs of high androgens , either on a blood test or as acne, excess hair growth or hair thinning.
- Polycystic ovarian appearance on ultrasound, or a high AMH level in adults.
At your visit, Dr. Park reviews your cycle history and symptoms, performs a pelvic ultrasound and arranges hormone testing . Blood tests also check thyroid function and prolactin, because these conditions can mimic PCOS. An AMH test can add useful information about ovarian reserve. If you are not sexually active, a transabdominal ultrasound can be used instead of an internal scan.
PCOS treatment options
There is no single cure for PCOS, but its symptoms and long-term risks can be managed well. Treatment depends on what you want to improve right now:
- Regular periods: combined birth control pills or a cyclic progestin regulate bleeding and protect the lining of the uterus. See our guide to birth control options and irregular periods .
- Acne and excess hair: hormonal treatment can be combined with skin care, such as acne laser treatment , since androgen-related skin symptoms usually need both.
- Trying to conceive: ovulation can be supported with medication such as letrozole, together with ovulation tracking . Referral to a fertility center is arranged when needed.
- Weight and metabolic health: for women who are overweight, losing 5–10% of body weight can restore ovulation in some cases. Metformin may be added to improve insulin resistance.
Why long-term follow-up matters
PCOS is linked with a higher lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and anxiety or low mood. When periods are very infrequent, the lining of the uterus can thicken over time, which increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia. Regular check-ups let us screen blood sugar and cholesterol, make sure you have a bleed at least every three months, and adjust treatment as your goals change, for example when you decide to try for a baby.
Possible side effects of PCOS treatment
Every medication has possible side effects, and Dr. Park will go through them with you before you start. Birth control pills can cause nausea, breast tenderness or spotting in the first months, and they are not suitable if you have certain migraine types, smoke over age 35 or have a history of blood clots. Metformin commonly causes stomach upset at first, which usually settles with a gradual dose increase. Anti-androgen medicines must not be taken during pregnancy. Tell us about all medicines and supplements you take so we can check for interactions.
PCOS care at Hommage Clinic
Hommage Clinic is a women's clinic in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. PCOS care is led by Dr. Park Yuna, a female OB/GYN specialist, and the ultrasound is done in the same visit. Because the clinic also offers skin treatments, acne and hair concerns linked to PCOS can be planned together instead of across separate clinics. If you are enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance, many diagnostic tests and medical treatments for PCOS are covered; visitors without coverage pay the clinic's fees directly, and we will explain costs before any test.
Diagnosis
PCOS diagnosis criteria: the Rotterdam “2 of 3” rule explained
The 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for PCOS, endorsed by medical societies worldwide, keeps the Rotterdam criteria: you need at least two of three features, after other causes have been excluded. The diagram below shows how the three features overlap. Women can have different combinations, which is why PCOS looks so different from one person to the next.
The guideline also updated the details. In adults, a raised AMH level can now be used instead of ultrasound to show polycystic ovaries, and the ultrasound threshold is 20 or more follicles in at least one ovary. For teenagers, ultrasound and AMH are not used, because many young women have naturally irregular cycles and multi-follicular ovaries in the first years after their periods start.
Signs to notice
PCOS symptoms: periods, skin, hair and weight
PCOS symptoms often start in the late teens or early twenties, but many women are only diagnosed years later, when they stop the pill or start trying for a baby. Symptoms vary a lot between women and can change with age and weight. Some women have only one or two signs, and some women of a healthy weight have PCOS too.
Because the skin and hair changes come from androgens, they often improve best when hormonal treatment is combined with targeted skin care. At Hommage, the gynecology and dermatology teams work in the same clinic, soacne laser treatmentor scalp care can be planned around your PCOS treatment.
Irregular periods
Cycles over 35 days, fewer than eight periods a year, or sometimes heavy bleeding after a long gap.
Persistent acne
Adult acne along the jaw and chin, oily skin, sometimes darker velvety patches on the neck.
Excess hair or thinning
Dark hair on the chin, chest or abdomen, or thinning on the top of the scalp.
Weight and insulin
Weight gain around the waist and insulin resistance, though PCOS also occurs at a healthy weight.
Difficulty conceiving
Ovulation is infrequent, so it may take longer to get pregnant without support.
Anxiety or low mood
More common with PCOS; the guideline recommends screening for both.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Persistent adult acne is one of the most common reasons women first ask about PCOS. Illustrative photo.
Your plan
PCOS treatment by goal: which option fits you?
The best PCOS treatment is not the same for every woman, because the goals differ. A 22-year-old with acne and long cycles needs a different plan from a 33-year-old trying for a baby. Lifestyle support sits underneath every plan; the 2023 guideline recommends it for all women with PCOS, whatever their weight. The diagram shows how Dr. Park matches the main options to what you want to improve now. Many women move between plans over the years.
| Goal | Main options | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Regular periods | Combined birth control pill, or a progestin every 1–3 months | Protects the uterine lining; a bleed at least every three months is the aim |
| Acne and excess hair | Combined pill, plus skin or hair treatment | Hair growth changes slowly; allow at least six months to judge |
| Metabolic health | Lifestyle changes; metformin, especially with BMI 25 or above | Metformin often causes stomach upset at first; the dose is increased slowly |
| Pregnancy | Letrozole with ovulation tracking; referral to a fertility center if needed | Stop the pill and anti-androgens before trying to conceive |
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
There is no single best PCOS diet; regular, balanced meals you can keep up matter most. Illustrative photo.
Everyday care
PCOS diet, exercise and lifestyle: what actually helps
Online advice about PCOS diets is often strict and contradictory. The 2023 international guideline found no evidence that any one diet is better than another for PCOS. What helps is a healthy eating pattern and regular physical activity that you can keep up, with attention to sleep and mood. For women who are overweight, losing 5–10% of body weight can make periods more regular and, in some women, restore ovulation. For women at a healthy weight, the aim is to prevent weight gain and support metabolic health.
The guideline also warns against weight stigma: PCOS itself can make weight harder to manage, and blame does not help. Dr. Park sets small, specific goals with you and reviews them at each visit.
Helpful
- Regular meals with vegetables, protein and whole grains
- Activity most days, including brisk walking and strength work
- Steady sleep and stress management
- Tracking your periods in an app or diary
- Small, realistic goals reviewed every few months
Not helpful
- Very restrictive or extreme diets you cannot sustain
- Expensive supplements sold as a PCOS cure
- Stopping medicine without a plan
- Ignoring very long gaps between periods
- Blaming yourself; PCOS is a medical condition
Trying to conceive
PCOS and pregnancy: letrozole vs clomiphene
PCOS is one of the most common causes of irregular ovulation, but it is also one of the most treatable. For women with PCOS who do not ovulate regularly and have no other fertility problems, the 2023 international guideline recommends letrozole as the first-line medicine to help ovulation. Letrozole is a tablet taken for a few days early in the cycle, on days and at a dose your doctor sets; it lowers estrogen briefly so the brain releases more of the hormone that grows a follicle.
A 2022 Cochrane review of 41 trials found that letrozole led to more live births than clomiphene, the older standard. For a woman with a 20% chance of a live birth on clomiphene, the chance with letrozole would be about 27–35%. Twin pregnancies and ovarian hyperstimulation were uncommon with both. Ovulation is confirmed withovulation testing, and if pregnancy does not follow after several ovulatory cycles, or there are other fertility factors, Dr. Park refers you to a fertility center.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Bring your period dates: they guide when tests and tablets are timed. Illustrative photo.
Evidence
PCOS treatment: what the research says
PCOS care is guided by the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline, developed by an international network of clinicians, researchers and women with PCOS, and published in four major journals. Its recommendations are summarized below. Many of them rest on moderate or low-certainty evidence, and several common questions, such as the role of inositol supplements or newer weight-loss medicines, still have limited data, so the guideline asks doctors to share decisions with patients.
Prevalence
PCOS is common across ethnicities and world regions.
Teede et al., Hum Reprod 2023More live births with letrozole
Compared with clomiphene; 11 trials, 2,060 women.
Cochrane CD010287, 2022Hyperstimulation risk
Ovarian hyperstimulation rate with both letrozole and clomiphene.
Cochrane CD010287, 2022Blood sugar re-check
Glucose status at diagnosis, then every 1–3 years depending on risk.
Teede et al., Hum Reprod 2023Traveling to Seoul
PCOS assessment in Seoul for international patients
A full PCOS work-up can usually be started in one visit: consultation, pelvic ultrasound and blood tests. Most results come back within a few days, so if you are in Seoul for a week you can usually review them in person or by message before you leave. Some hormone tests are best taken on days 2–5 of your cycle, so tell us the first day of your last period when you book.
Before you visit
- Contact us by WhatsApp, KakaoTalk or the contact form with your travel dates and any language needs.
- Bring your period dates for the last 6–12 months, any previous scans or blood tests, and a list of medicines.
- If you take the pill, tell us; it changes hormone results, and we will advise whether to test now or later.
- Bring your passport for registration.
After you go home
You receive a written summary with your results and plan, so your own doctor can continue follow-up. Ongoing questions can be sent by message.
Hommage · Seoul
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Seoul: the clinic is in Gangnam, a short walk from Sinnonhyeon Station. Illustrative photo.
Hommage · Gangnam
Hommage Women's Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul
Good PCOS care is a long-term partnership, not a single prescription. Illustrative photo.
Choosing well
How to choose a PCOS doctor in Seoul
PCOS is a long-term condition, so look for a doctor who will follow you over time. Useful questions at any clinic:
- Do they confirm the diagnosis properly? Rotterdam criteria plus tests that rule out thyroid and prolactin problems.
- Do they ask about my goals? Cycles, skin, weight and pregnancy plans each change the treatment.
- Do they check metabolic health? Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are part of PCOS care.
- Can skin and hair be treated in the same place? Combining gynecology and dermatology saves repeated visits.
- Is there a clear fertility pathway? Letrozole and ovulation tracking, with referral when needed.
- Will I get a follow-up date? Reviews every 3–6 months keep the plan on track.
What affects the cost of PCOS care?
Cost depends on whether you are enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance, which blood tests are needed (for example hormones, AMH, glucose and cholesterol), the type of ultrasound, the medicines prescribed and how often you are followed up. Skin or hair treatments for acne or hair loss are usually separate and not covered by insurance. We explain the expected costs before any test.
Your visit
What to expect at your PCOS appointment
01
Consultation
Dr. Park asks about your cycle dates, skin and hair changes, weight, medications and pregnancy plans. Bring a period tracker record if you have one.
02
Ultrasound and exam
A pelvic ultrasound checks the ovaries and the lining of the uterus. A transabdominal scan is available if you prefer not to have an internal one.
03
Blood tests
Hormone, thyroid, prolactin and, when needed, blood sugar and cholesterol tests. Some tests are timed to days 2–5 of your cycle.
04
Your plan
We review results together and agree on a plan for cycles, skin, weight or fertility, with a follow-up date.
Your doctor
Dr. Park Yuna
Medical Director · OB/GYN Specialist
Dr. Park approaches PCOS as a whole-body condition rather than a single prescription. She matches the plan to what matters to you now, whether that is predictable periods, clearer skin or getting pregnant, and adjusts it as your goals change.
Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN specialist, Korea). Leads women's health and cosmetic gynecology at Hommage Clinic.
PCOS: frequently asked questions
Can PCOS be cured?
PCOS cannot be cured permanently, but it can be controlled well. Most women manage symptoms with a combination of lifestyle changes and medication, and the plan can change over time, for example when you want to become pregnant. Regular follow-up also lowers long-term risks such as diabetes and endometrial problems.
Can I get pregnant if I have PCOS?
Yes. Many women with PCOS conceive naturally or with simple ovulation-support treatment such as letrozole. Because ovulation is irregular, it can take longer, so we recommend a fertility discussion if you have been trying for 12 months, or 6 months if you are over 35. See our page on ovulation testing.
Do I need an internal ultrasound to diagnose PCOS?
Not always. A transvaginal ultrasound gives the clearest view of the ovaries, but a transabdominal scan is available if you are not sexually active or prefer not to have an internal exam. In adults, a raised AMH level can sometimes be used instead of ultrasound findings.
Will the birth control pill fix my PCOS?
The pill does not cure PCOS, but it is a common first treatment for regular bleeding, acne and excess hair, and it protects the lining of the uterus. Symptoms often return when the pill is stopped. It is not the right choice for everyone, so your doctor will check your medical history first.
Does losing weight help PCOS?
For women who are overweight, losing 5–10% of body weight can make periods more regular and improve insulin resistance and fertility. PCOS can make weight loss harder, so support may include medication such as metformin. Women with PCOS at a healthy weight also benefit from treatment focused on cycles and skin.
What should I bring to my first PCOS appointment?
Bring the dates of your last few periods, a list of medications and supplements, any previous ultrasound or blood test results, and your questions. If you are visiting from abroad, bring your passport for registration. Some hormone tests are timed to your cycle, so let us know the first day of your last period when you book.
Is letrozole or clomiphene better for PCOS?
For women with PCOS who do not ovulate regularly, the 2023 international guideline recommends letrozole as the first-line ovulation medicine. A 2022 Cochrane review found more live births with letrozole than with clomiphene, with similarly low rates of twins and ovarian hyperstimulation.
Is there a best diet for PCOS?
No single diet has been shown to be better than others for PCOS. A healthy eating pattern you can keep up, regular activity and good sleep are what the evidence supports. Very restrictive diets are hard to sustain and are not necessary.
Can you have PCOS without being overweight?
Yes. Many women with PCOS have a healthy weight. They can still have irregular periods, raised androgens and insulin resistance, and benefit from treatment focused on their cycle, skin and long-term health.
Does PCOS cause hair loss and acne?
It can. Raised androgens can cause persistent adult acne, excess dark hair on the face or body, and thinning on the top of the scalp. Hormonal treatment usually works best when combined with skin or scalp care, which Hommage can plan in the same clinic.
Can teenagers be diagnosed with PCOS?
Yes, but more carefully. Irregular cycles are common in the first years after periods start, so the guideline does not use ultrasound or AMH for teenagers. Girls with symptoms who do not yet meet the criteria may be considered at increased risk and reassessed later.
Do inositol supplements help PCOS?
Inositol is widely sold for PCOS. The 2023 guideline says it may be considered based on personal preference, but the evidence for improving ovulation, hair growth or weight is limited. Tell Dr. Park about any supplements you take so they can be checked against your other medicines.
Is PCOS linked to diabetes and heart disease?
PCOS raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and of cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. The guideline recommends checking blood sugar at diagnosis and every 1–3 years, a cholesterol test at diagnosis and blood pressure every year.
References
Sources used for this page, reviewed by Dr. Park Yuna, OB/GYN specialist. Read our editorial and medical review policy.
- Teede HJ, Tay CT, Laven J, Dokras A, Moran LJ, et al. Recommendations from the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2023;38(9):1655–1679. Full text
- Summary of the 2023 International Evidence-based Guideline for the Assessment and Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Med J Aust. 2024;221(7). MJA
- Franik S, Le QK, Kremer JAM, Kiesel L, Farquhar C. Aromatase inhibitors (letrozole) for ovulation induction in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022;(9):CD010287. Cochrane
- World Health Organization. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Fact sheet.
This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. Illustrations are original works of Hommage Women's Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul; photos marked illustrative are not of patients.
Related women's health services
Hormone Testing
Blood tests for estrogen, androgens, thyroid and other hormones behind cycle and skin changes.
Irregular Periods
Causes of late, missed or unpredictable periods and when to get checked.
Ovulation Testing
Ultrasound and blood tests to confirm whether and when you ovulate.
AMH Test
A simple blood test that estimates ovarian reserve and supports PCOS diagnosis.
Endometriosis Treatment
Diagnosis and care for painful periods and pelvic pain caused by endometriosis.
Acne Laser Treatment
Laser and light treatments for hormonal and persistent adult acne.
Get clear answers about PCOS
Book a consultation with Dr. Park Yuna in Gangnam. Ultrasound and blood tests can be arranged in the same visit.
Hommage Clinic · 4F, Building A, 509 Gangnam-daero, Seoul (near Sinnonhyeon Station) · Mon & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Tue–Thu 10:00–19:00 · Sat 10:00–15:00