All about Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.

 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which a woman has increased levels of male hormones (androgens). Many problems occur as a result of this increase of hormones, including: Menstrual irregularities. Infertility. Skin problems such as acne and increased hair growth. PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common cause of anovulatory cycles and female infertility.

What happen in women with polycystic ovaries and fertility problems:

Women with PCOS do not release an egg (ovulate) regularly. Have ovaries that contain many small cystic structures, about 2-9 mm in diameter.

Affecting an estimated 5 million in USA only. PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in females. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. But doctors and scientists believe that elevated levels of Androgen and insulin may be related to the condition. PCOS affects females of all ages.

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How does normal ovulation work?

In a normal menstrual cycle with ovulation, a mature follicle develops. The size of a mature follicle that is ready to ovulate is about 1.8 to 2.8 cm in diameter. About 14 days after ovulation, the woman would be expected to get a period if she is not pregnant.

The basic difference between polycystic and normal ovaries is that although the polycystic ovaries contain many small follicles with eggs in them, the follicles do not develop and mature properly so there is no ovulation. Since women with polycystic ovaries do not ovulate regularly, they do not get regular menstrual periods. Therefore, they suffer infertility.

Symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome include:

• Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on body and face.
• Irregular, heavy or absent menstrual cycles.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
• Acne and oily skin.
• Mood changes.
• Poor sleep.
• Women with polycystic ovaries often have an excess amount of the male hormones testosterone and androstenedione, resulting in high testosterone levels in the blood.

Can a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome get pregnant?

PCOS cause infertility but there is HOPE! So the short answer is that, in the majority of cases YES. 

The good news is that the chance of getting pregnant with polycystic ovarian syndrome using fertility treatments is very good. The great majority of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome will be able to have a baby with fertility treatment.
For young women under age 35 with polycystic ovaries, the real question is more about which treatment will be effective and not so much whether any treatment can ever work. As far as the chances for pregnancy with PCOS pregnancy, statistics are difficult to give without knowing the details of the individual case.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome usually need help to induce ovulation to be able to get pregnant.

Healthy Habits you can implement if you suffer of PCOS.

• One of the best and natural ways to improve PCOS is to eat well and exercise regularly. Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight, may ease some symptoms and help make your periods more regular. It may also help manage problems with blood sugar levels and ovulation.
• Since PCOS could lead to high blood sugar. Your doctor may want you to limit starchy or sugary foods. Instead, eat foods and meals that have plenty of fiber, which raise your blood sugar level slowly.

To regulate your menstrual cycle, your doctor might recommend:

• Combination birth control pills: Regulating your hormones can help with the symptoms and also helps with abnormal bleeding. Excess hair growth and acne. If you don’t want to use pills you might use a skin patch or vaginal ring that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin.

To help you ovulate, your doctor might recommend:

• Clomiphene (Clomid). This oral anti-estrogen medication is taken during the first part of your menstrual cycle.
• Letrozole (Femara). This breast cancer treatment can work to stimulate the ovaries.
• Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet, others). This oral medication for type 2 diabetes improves insulin resistance and lowers insulin levels. If you don’t become pregnant using clomiphene, your doctor might recommend adding metformin. If you have prediabetes, metformin can also slow the progression to type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.
• Gonadotropins. These hormone medications are given by injection.

As you can see is not easy, but is possible to get pregnant having PCOS. Is just a matter of striving to have a healthy lifestyle and with the help of our doctor you can achieve it.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome ultrasound.

Other related posts:

Teratoma. Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Irregular periods. Causes, treatment, natural remedies, ultrasound and more.

Blighted ovum: Cause, symptoms, ultrasound, treatment, prevention etc.

Pelvic pain in women. Role of ultrasound diagnosing pelvic pain.

Final thoughts:

Having PCOS does not mean you can’t get pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common, but treatable, causes of infertility in women. In women with PCOS, the hormonal imbalance interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation). If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant, that’s why you’ll need help. Your doctor can talk with you about ways to help you ovulate and to raise your chance of getting pregnant. You can also use an Ovulation Calculator to see which days in your menstrual cycle you are most likely to be fertile.

Or check this post. All you need to know about ovulation.

I hope this post help you, if you find it useful, comment and share it so it can reach more women.

Zadi XO

Disclaimer: Due to HIPPA compliance and regulations all patient information is protected on this site. Also, the information provided on my blog is designed to provide helpful information about the topic and are made with the best of my knowledge, therefore, is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, For diagnosis or treatments on any medical problems consult your own physician. The author is not responsible or liable for any mistreated pathologies or wrong treatments.