Alternatives to Hysterectomy
Breast Cancer - Herceptin
Breast Cancer Screening
Breast Cancer Guidelines
Breast Pain
Drug Limits Heart Risk
Endometriosis
Hysterectomy
Osteoporosis
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Surgical Sterilization
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infections

Sexual Health

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) May Cause Infertility

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS for short is a chronic condition in women that is typically characterized by irregular or absent menstrual periods (an-ovulation).

Patients with PCOS may also have elevated androgens or male hormones, which may cause symptoms including facial hair growth, acne and even male pattern baldness.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS for short is a chronic condition in women that is typically characterized by irregular or absent menstrual periods (an-ovulation).

Patients with PCOS may also have elevated androgens or male hormones, which may cause symptoms including facial hair growth, acne and even male pattern baldness.

Women with PCOS often have infertility problems, because they do not ovulate on a regular basis. Fortunately there are many drug and lifestyle modifications patients can adopt to help them control the signs and symptoms of PCOS. In addition, treatments may enable women to conceive.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
The first sign of PCOS in women is often a lack of menstrual cycles. Women with PCOS may have fewer than 6 cycles per year. Other women may notice excessive male pattern hair growth or a tendency to gain weight easily.

It is vital that women with PCOS seek out medical assistance. Though an ultrasound examination may reveal that a woman has polycystic appearing ovaries, generally only 6-10 percent of these women will have PCOS.

PCOS is thought to be genetically inherited from female and male relatives. Some risk factors may include family relatives with adult onset diabetes, obesity, elevated blood triglycerides, high blood pressure or menstrual disorders.

One of the key features of the syndrome is a condition called hyperinsulinemia, where the body produces excess insulin. This is often accompanied by insulin resistance (Where the body tissue responds poorly to insulin) and impaired glucose tolerance (considered a pre-curser to diabetes mellitus), and is though to be responsible for the hyperandrogenism experienced by women with the disorder.

High levels of androgens in women can lead to infertility, an-ovulation and amenorrhea (absence of periods).

Your physician will first attempt to rule out other conditions including thyroid problems or increased prolactin production by the pituitary gland. Your hormone levels will be tested in addition to physical appearance, height, weight and fasting glucose levels.

Without proper treatment PCOS is often associated with gradually increasing weight gain over time and obesity. Fortunately this can usually be controlled to a good degree through diet and exercise and medications.

It is important to note however that some of the key features of PCOS including insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia can occur in normal weight and overweight women with PCOS. It is not exclusive to one group or the other.

Other risks associated with PCOS include:

Heart disease.
Uterine Cancer.
Sleep apnea.
Menstrual irregularity.

Most women with PCOS are treated with oral contraceptives which help establish a normal menstrual period. This will help protect the uterine lining, reducing the risk for uterine cancer.

The first line of treatment for many women that have not had a period for more than six weeks is a prescription for Provera to induce a menstrual period.

Weight loss can often help restore hormonal balance and periods in some women. Other symptoms of PCOS including excessive hair growth and acne are treated with a variety of measures including electrolysis, laser therapy and medications. Oral contraceptives also work to decrease the body's production of androgens, thereby slowing excessive hair growth. They may also help treat acne in some women.

Insulin lowering drugs are sometimes required for women with insulin resistance. Metformin is often used to help stimulate menstrual cycles, manage androgen levels and stimulate ovulation. It may also help with weight loss and reduce the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy.

There are also numerous treatments available to help women ovulate and restore their fertility. Among these include supplementation with Clomid to help trigger ovulation.

If you suspect that you might have PCOS, it is important that you seek prompt medical care from your physician. With proper treatment, the outlook for your future is very promising.