Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Most women with PCOS are unaware they have it. In fact, less than 25% of women with the classic symptoms of PCOS are diagnosed. This is due to a large number of women and their doctors viewing the symptoms of PCOS individually rather than collectively. Most women are not diagnosed until they suffer with infertility and seek help. If you have tried to get pregnant and suspect you might have PCOS, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.
What are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
You can have one or all of these symptoms caused by PCOS.
PCOS and Infertility
One of the biggest complications associated with PCOS is infertility. Because ovulation and menstruation are so irregular, many women find it hard to become pregnant. Some women may even lose their menstrual periods entirely. In fact, it is estimated that over 90% of women with irregular periods and 30% of women without periods suffer from PCOS. If you have difficulty conceiving and experience symptoms of PCOS, seeing your doctor for a diagnosis can lead to effective treatments. It is crucial that your doctor evaluate your symptoms and medical history. A small thing, like hair you pluck off your chin, may seem unimportant, but is one of the symptoms of PCOS. You need to be open and honest with your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated to your inability to conceive.
Diagnosing PCOS
A reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologist investigates your symptoms, such as menstruation or ovulation problems, to determine if PCOS is the correct diagnosis for you. Specific diagnostic tests include:
Treating PCOS
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, the good news is there are a variety of treatments suitable to help you minimize your symptoms and restore your fertility. The most common treatments include: Weight control. In overweight women with PCOS, weight loss is always beneficial. Slender women sometimes require weight gain. Although weight loss or gain may not cause regular periods to come back in all women, it makes the medical treatment of the disorder much easier. Carbohydrate (sugar, starch)-restricted diets for weight loss are gaining popularity. Some women can achieve results where low calorie efforts were ineffective.
Use of the fertility drug Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) is used to help induce ovulation. It can restore your ovulation and enable you to achieve conception. Clomid is often paired with assisted reproductive services like IUI.
Another treatment includes the use of oral contraceptives, or birth control pills. While using birth control pills may seem counter-intuitive, they can help to restore your hormones and reduce your symptoms. However, you will be unable to become pregnant while using oral contraceptives so you’ll work with your doctor to time when you stop the pills and start other medication to attempt to conceive.
RESOURCES:
PCOS
Fertility Fitness& Health Program
What are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
You can have one or all of these symptoms caused by PCOS.
- irregular menstruation due to irregular ovulation
- amenorrhea (no menses) due to anovulation (no ovulation)
- weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- baldness
- hirsutism (typically mustache and beard-like facial hair growth along with increased lower belly hair)
- insulin resistance (pre-diabetes)
- heavy, unpredictable vaginal bleeding episodes, frequently with bad cramps
PCOS and Infertility
One of the biggest complications associated with PCOS is infertility. Because ovulation and menstruation are so irregular, many women find it hard to become pregnant. Some women may even lose their menstrual periods entirely. In fact, it is estimated that over 90% of women with irregular periods and 30% of women without periods suffer from PCOS. If you have difficulty conceiving and experience symptoms of PCOS, seeing your doctor for a diagnosis can lead to effective treatments. It is crucial that your doctor evaluate your symptoms and medical history. A small thing, like hair you pluck off your chin, may seem unimportant, but is one of the symptoms of PCOS. You need to be open and honest with your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if you think they are unrelated to your inability to conceive.
Diagnosing PCOS
A reproductive endocrinologist or gynecologist investigates your symptoms, such as menstruation or ovulation problems, to determine if PCOS is the correct diagnosis for you. Specific diagnostic tests include:
- Total Blood Testosterone (some doctors also measure the “free” testosterone levels)
- Vaginal Ultrasound is the most accurate view.
- Levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) in the blood helps distinguish borderline cases. Although these tests are not always done,they are extremely helpful in diagnosing.
- Blood levels of DHEAS may be taken, but again are not routine.
Treating PCOS
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, the good news is there are a variety of treatments suitable to help you minimize your symptoms and restore your fertility. The most common treatments include: Weight control. In overweight women with PCOS, weight loss is always beneficial. Slender women sometimes require weight gain. Although weight loss or gain may not cause regular periods to come back in all women, it makes the medical treatment of the disorder much easier. Carbohydrate (sugar, starch)-restricted diets for weight loss are gaining popularity. Some women can achieve results where low calorie efforts were ineffective.
Use of the fertility drug Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) is used to help induce ovulation. It can restore your ovulation and enable you to achieve conception. Clomid is often paired with assisted reproductive services like IUI.
Another treatment includes the use of oral contraceptives, or birth control pills. While using birth control pills may seem counter-intuitive, they can help to restore your hormones and reduce your symptoms. However, you will be unable to become pregnant while using oral contraceptives so you’ll work with your doctor to time when you stop the pills and start other medication to attempt to conceive.
RESOURCES:
PCOS
Fertility Fitness& Health Program
