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September Is PCOS Awareness Month

PCOS Awareness Month is a great time to learn how to navigate this condition

Our Louisiana fertility center team uses PCOS Awareness Month to help educate our patients. We help women learn more about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and how to manage it.

This common condition is a disorder that affects a woman’s hormones, metabolism and fertility. Millions of women have PCOS and deal with its symptoms. Thankfully, treatments are available to help women whether or not they’re trying to get pregnant.

Learn about the condition’s symptoms during PCOS Awareness Month

Knowledge is power, so our team helps women understand the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Acne
  • Weight gain
  • Facial hair
  • High levels of androgens and insulin
  • Ovarian cysts
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated cholesterol

Researchers have also found connections between polycystic ovary syndrome and diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression and uterine cancer.

Our Louisiana fertility center team urges women to receive an evaluation from their OB/GYN as soon as they notice symptoms of PCOS. This evaluation typically includes a review of the woman’s medical history as well as a pelvic exam, bloodwork and an ultrasound.

Additionally, women who are trying to become pregnant should consider seeking the support of a fertility specialist. Our own Dr. David T. Vandermolen has helped many women with PCOS become mothers.

Effective tips and treatments for PCOS

PCOS Awareness Month is also a wonderful time for women with PCOS to learn about their treatment options. If a woman is not trying to conceive, a doctor might recommend birth control pills. These pills can help regulate her cycle and reduce her levels of androgens. Additionally, weight loss can be helpful, as losing just 5% of her body weight can significantly reduce a woman’s symptoms.

When a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome has trouble becoming pregnant, there are helpful treatments at our Louisiana fertility center.

Ovulation induction medication. Dr. Vandermolen might prescribe oral ovulation induction medication to a woman with PCOS. This helps the body release an egg.

In vitro fertilization (IVF). In certain situations, a woman with PCOS will require IVF. An IVF cycle consists of the hopeful mother taking ovulation induction medications before undergoing an egg retrieval. After Dr. Vandermolen retrieves the eggs, an embryologist fertilizes them with sperm from the woman’s partner or chosen sperm donor. Dr. Vandermolen then transfers one of the resulting embryos into the woman’s uterus.

We encourage women to use PCOS Awareness Month as motivation to get diagnosis and treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome. For those hoping to start a family, our clinic can help them take the next step toward parenthood. Contact us to learn more.