Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the single most common cause of infertility for biological females. Five million individuals with ovaries in the US alone are impacted by this endocrine disorder, yet many people don’t realize they are living with it.
At Boston IVF in Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse, we understand that no two people experience PCOS in the exact same way. Our multidisciplinary team focuses on managing PCOS through a combination of psychological support and fertility treatments tailored to meet your own unique needs, goals, and timeline.
HAVE PCOS? WE CAN HELP
Our Central New York PCOS Fertility Program provides 30 years of experience through the hands of personalized, local care. Boston IVF’s history of research and experience allows our physicians to help women successfully manage even the most complex cases of PCOS.
WHAT IS PCOS?
Individuals with ovaries naturally produce the hormones estrogen and androgen. People with PCOS create excess androgen in their ovaries. This causes the ovaries to become enlarged and grow small collections of fluid (ovarian cysts), which affects the entire reproductive system, including the menstrual cycle and fertility.
DO I HAVE PCOS?
The hormonal imbalance at the root of PCOS can be detected through a simple blood test. In addition, the signs of PCOS are clearly visible for many people living with the disorder. These include: hair on the chin, upper lip, chest, belly, or back; severe acne; and weight gain.
Unexplained, persistent weight gain is another common symptom of PCOS.
Period irregularity is another indicator for hormonal imbalance. Individuals with PCOS might get their periods once a year, every few months, or even every two weeks. Periods that come less often tend to be heavier and longer lasting, with more painful cramps. Depression, anxiety, and infertility are other non-visible markers.
PCOS AND INFERTILITY
The reason PCOS is linked with infertility has to do with the way it affects ovulation. Hormonal imbalances can cause ovulation to happen less often, but in order to become pregnant on your own, you must have the ability to ovulate.
The good news is that infertility with PCOS is often successfully treatable — there is good reason to remain optimistic about your ability to become pregnant.
DIAGNOSING PCOS
There is no one simple test for PCOS. Instead, our fertility specialist doctors will conduct a comprehensive examination that may include:
- Blood Testing: To test your blood hormone levels
- Ultrasound Testing: To identify small cysts in the ovaries
- Endometrial Biopsies: Closer inspection of your endometrial tissue will help explain irregular periods
- Fasting glucose tests: are sometimes recommended to measure your blood sugar levels
TREATMENT FOR PCOS
Once someone receives a proper diagnosis, PCOS is a manageable disorder. Although there is not yet a cure for PCOS, the symptoms — including infertility — can be treated.
- Birth control pills are often prescribed to those with PCOS. These are androgen-blocking pills that help reduce the levels of circulating testosterone in the body, which helps minimize acne flares, excess face and body hair growth, and can reduce the scalp hair loss.
- Lifestyle changes with exercise and diet are an extremely important element in managing PCOS
- Diabetes medication, most commonly metformin, helps to control and regulate insulin and blood sugar, and lowers progesterone production.
- For women who wish to become pregnant, we often recommend common fertility medications, such as clomiphene citrate and Letrozole to help normalize ovulation so that pregnancy can occur.
MANAGING PCOS: YOUR NEXT STEP
Living with PCOS can be challenging, but the sooner you get diagnosed, the sooner you can effectively manage your symptoms and find solutions that work for you. This is why we strongly suggest meeting with one of our fertility experts as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms of PCOS.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Whether you would like to schedule a consultation with a fertility doctor or just need some basic advice, don’t hesitate to call or email us!
