HRC Bay Area Doctors Featured in The Educated Patient: PCOS and Your Fertility Journey

We’re excited to share that HRC Fertility’s Bay Area physicians have been featured in MJH Life Science’s The Educated patient. Dr. Christo Zouves of HRC Fertility Silicon Valley and Dr. Kay Waud of HRC Fertility San Francisco were both interviewed for the piece, “PCOS and Your Fertility Journey: What You Need to Know” written by journalist Lana Pine.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age, yet it remains a major source of worry for those trying to conceive. At HRC Fertility, our physicians help patients navigate the challenges of PCOS with compassion, evidence-based care, and the latest treatment options.

Dr. Waud explains that PCOS often begins with insulin resistance, which disrupts hormonal signaling and ovulation. “As a result, PCOS is characterized by elevated androgens, irregular or absent ovulation, and an altered ovarian response, where follicles don’t mature properly,” she says. This can make conception more difficult, but she emphasizes that early diagnosis and lifestyle strategies — such as balanced nutrition, physical activity, and weight management — can make a meaningful difference.

Dr. Zouves adds that women with PCOS may face higher pregnancy risks, including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, but with careful planning, these can be managed. “Preconception optimization and close monitoring during pregnancy are essential to improving outcomes,” he notes. When fertility treatment is needed, options like letrozole, gonadotropins, or IVF are highly effective, with single embryo transfer often recommended to reduce risks.

Both physicians stress that PCOS is manageable and that many patients go on to achieve healthy pregnancies. With early intervention, supportive care, and access to advanced treatments, women with PCOS can feel empowered on their fertility journey.