Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Specialist

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

PCOS occurs due to an imbalance in reproductive and other hormones. Usually, women with PCOS have extra androgens, primarily male hormones of which women have small amounts. Many PCOS sufferers also have excess insulin, a hormone that helps cells use glucose for energy.

These hormone issues cause problems in the ovaries, the organs that develop and release eggs each month as part of your menstrual cycle. PCOS can cause infertility and cysts on the ovaries.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Women with PCOS often have acne as well as excess hair on areas that men usually develop it, such as the chin or face. Other symptoms include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Hair loss that mimics male-pattern baldness
• Weight gain or problems losing weight
• Darkening skin increases and folds, such as underneath the breasts or around the neck
• Skin tags

Women with PCOS often have trouble getting pregnant. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you have PCOS, you may also be at greater risk of having high blood pressure.

Is pregnancy possible if a woman has polycystic ovary syndrome?

PCOS can interfere with fertility, but can usually be overcome with treatment. The doctors at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group may recommend you lose weight and get more physical activity to help regulate your cycle and improve fertility.

Medications, specifically clomiphene, can also help with ovulation but does increase your chance of becoming pregnant with twins or other multiples. In vitro fertilization may be an option if clomiphene is unsuccessful.

As women with PCOS age, their fertility may actually improve naturally. Women with PCOS may be born with a greater number of eggs, and as they get older start to lose excess follicles that interfere with fertility. So with advanced maternal age, women with PCOS still have plenty of eggs and a more optimal number of follicles than the average woman without PCOS.

To learn about treatments to manage the symptoms of PCOS and to overcome PCOS-related infertility, call The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group for an appointment or book one online.