Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common and treatable cause of female infertility
Approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age have polycystic ovary syndrome. However, many women do not realize they have PCOS until they have trouble conceiving. Thankfully, women with this condition don’t have to give up on the dream of motherhood. With more than 30 years of experience, David T. Vandermolen MD, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, has the clinical expertise to diagnose and treat this condition.
What is PCOS?
Caused by hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome creates problems with the menstrual cycle. In many cases, women who have PCOS will have irregular or absent periods, which most often indicates issues related to ovulation. Additionally, these patients also have higher levels of androgens, hormones that typically appear in higher levels in men, in their bodies.
Researchers haven’t been able to identify the specific cause of PCOS. However, women whose mothers or sisters have this condition have a higher likelihood of developing it.
What are the signs of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Generally, the symptoms of this condition appear around puberty. The symptoms of PCOS vary from person to person, but the following list includes some common signs.
- Irregular, infrequent or prolonged periods
- Excessive facial and/or body hair
- Severe acne
- Male-pattern baldness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Visible cysts on the ovaries
- Difficulty getting pregnant
One of the main effects of this condition is infertility. The irregular cycles that occur with PCOS can interfere with ovulation and create difficulty for women who are trying to get pregnant. Not only can this condition affect a woman’s ability to conceive, but it can also contribute to overall health issues. Women with PCOS are more likely to experience obesity, diabetes and heart disease as well as anxiety and depression.
How does Dr. Vandermolen treat PCOS?
To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, Dr. Vandermolen will typically take a full medical history, order bloodwork and perform an ultrasound of the ovaries. Treatment will depend on your age, symptoms and family-building goals.
Often, Dr. Vandermolen will begin by recommending weight loss, regular exercise and medications like metformin or birth control. For women who want to get pregnant, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor will use treatments like medication, often letrozole, metformin and/or clomiphene, or IVF.
At ArkLaTex Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, we focus on the health and well-being of our patients. We are available to answer questions and assist our patients in achieving their dreams of creating or expanding their families. Contact us for more information on PCOS or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vandermolen.