Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS as it is often referred to as, is a condition affecting many women of child bearing age. In fact, some reports indicate that as few as 25% of women with PCOS actually know they have the condition. For many women, PCOS is not diagnosed until they begin to try to get pregnant, as PCOS may lead to complications with fertility.
This condition may affect women's menstrual cycles, hormone levels, appearance and their fertility. Researchers believe that the increased production of insulin in women with PCOS is what causes their body to react by producing high levels of androgens, or male hormones. The excessive male hormones affect the production of hormones necessary for ovulation. Progesterone is not produced because ovulation does not occur. This is a necessary hormone that causes the thickening of the uterine lining. Without it, periods may be absent or irregular. In many cases, cysts develop.
In addition to infertility and irregular or absent periods, women with PCOS may experience increased facial or body hair growth, cysts in the ovaries, thinning hair, obesity, type II diabetes, acne, PMS and pelvic pain. There are certain treatments that women may explore in relieving these symptoms. Exactly which treatment, or treatments, is recommended will likely depend on the symptoms the woman is experiencing.
For treating infertility, women with PCOS may be encouraged to lose weight, as this may improve hormone balance. Medication to reduce insulin levels may also be recommended. Women with high insulin may produce male hormones, which may inhibit fertility.
Certain fertility drugs may also be recommended to help improve fertility as well. Some fertility drugs work by blocking the estrogen receptors in the brain to trick the body into thinking estrogen levels are low. Other fertility drugs involve injections that stimulate follicle production and ovulation. Injection methods may be used if other fertility drugs are unsuccessful.
In vitro fertilization is another procedure that may provide relief from infertility. In this procedure, eggs from the female and sperm from the male are combined in a dish in a laboratory to form embryos. Once embryos are formed, a selection process may be held to determine which embryos have the best chance of developing. Once this has been completed, a select number of embryos are transferred to the woman's uterus for implantation.
In some cases, some combination of the above mentioned treatment may be recommended to improve the chances of success.
