PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, signs of higher androgen levels such as acne or excess hair, and difficulties with metabolism and fertility. It affects a meaningful share of women and is very manageable with the right, whole-person care. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we diagnose PCOS and care for the full picture.

What PCOS is

PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition. According to the 2023 international evidence-based guideline, it is diagnosed when at least two of three features are present: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of elevated androgens (such as acne or excess hair growth, or elevated levels on a blood test), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or, now, an elevated anti-Müllerian hormone level. It is one of the most common hormonal conditions in women of reproductive age, and it often runs in families.

Why it matters and how we treat it

PCOS is about more than periods. It is linked to insulin resistance, weight changes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk, so good care looks at metabolic health, not just the menstrual cycle. Treatment is tailored to your goals: regulating cycles, managing acne or excess hair, supporting fertility when pregnancy is desired, and reducing long-term metabolic risk. The 2023 guideline emphasizes lifestyle as a foundation, with medications chosen for your specific needs. We coordinate care across these areas in one place.

The mind-body connection

The 2023 international guideline specifically highlights that anxiety and depression are more common in women with PCOS and should be screened for and addressed. This fits exactly how we practice: because we integrate primary care and behavioral health, we care for the emotional side of PCOS alongside the hormonal and metabolic sides, rather than treating them as separate problems.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole person, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your wellbeing and to live pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your whole story, welcome your ʻohana into the process, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects who you are is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see you

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new patients in Hilo. Primary care works best as a partnership. Your first visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see patients in person for physical exams, vitals, and lab work, and we use telehealth for follow-up visits, medication management, and chronic-disease check-ins whenever it is clinically appropriate.

Common questions about PCOS

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Under the 2023 international guideline, PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of three features are present: irregular or absent ovulation, signs of high androgens (like acne or excess hair, or blood test elevations), and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or an elevated AMH level.

Can PCOS be managed?

Yes. PCOS is very manageable. Care is tailored to your goals, from regulating cycles and managing acne or excess hair to supporting fertility and reducing long-term metabolic risk, with lifestyle as a foundation and medications when needed.

Does PCOS affect mental health?

It can. The 2023 international guideline notes that anxiety and depression are more common with PCOS and should be screened for. Because we integrate behavioral health, we care for the emotional side alongside the hormonal and metabolic sides.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new patients in Hilo.

References

Teede, H. J., Tay, C. T., Laven, J., Dokras, A., Moran, L. J., Piltonen, T. T., et al. (2023). Recommendations from the 2023 international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 108(10), 2447–2469. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/108/10/2447/7242360

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you think you may have a medical condition, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner