One of the most common hormonal issues women face is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Affecting 1 in 15 women, PCOS is a condition in which many small cysts fill a woman's ovaries. While some women begin showing signs of the condition — through weight gain, extra facial hair, and acne — in their teens, many do not discover it until they try to conceive a baby.
According to A.D.A.M.:
In polycystic ovary disease, there are many poorly developed follicles in the ovaries. The eggs in these follicles do not mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they form cysts in the ovary. This can contribute to infertility. The immature follicles and the inability to release an egg (ovulate) are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens) produced in the ovary.
Though the condition sounds frightening, the good news is that PCOS is treatable. To see how doctors diagnose this problem and treat it, read more.
During routine gynecological exams, doctors suspecting that their patients have PCOS will ask patients about their menstrual cycles and other symptoms. They will check for extra body hair and high blood pressure, while also conducting blood tests to check out blood sugar levels and hormone levels. Doctors may also suggest pelvic ultrasounds to see if there are any cysts present on the ovaries.
Should a woman be diagnosed with the condition, there are several treatments, including both birth control pills and the infertility drug Clomid. Women with PCOS who wish to conceive still have a good chance of normal pregnancies with a little medical or surgical intervention.
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Karen Millen
I was diagnosed with this when I was about 20. I'm 23 now and have no desire to get pregnant so I'm not sure how it affects my ability to conceive or anything since I have not tried. My doctor discovered that I had it after I had not been getting my period for a while and was not pregnant. Luckily after some weight loss my period came back on its own and I have been on birth control and having normal periods ever since. I went a few months without the birth control last year due to some other health issues and my period still stayed normal so I'm hoping that when the time does come when I want to get pregnant that I will be able to without too much difficulty.
1I have it!
2I was recently diagnosed as well. I hadn't gotten my period for a few months, so I knew something was wrong. A forum I found very useful: www.soulcysters.net
3I was diagnosed with it in March of 2007. I am expecting my first child this month. I did do some treatment to get the hormones in balance before trying to conceive. But we were able to conceive on our 3rd try. PCOS is not always a problem for conception.
4I have PCOS and went through infertility meds to get pregnant. It took 4 cycles and an IUI to get pregnant. I just gave birth last April 1 and PCOS is something that can be treated.
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