Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also called PCOS, is an endocrine or hormonal disorder and is the most common cause of infertility in women. PCOS may affect a woman's menstrual cycle, hormones, insulin production, heart blood vessels. and finally appearance. If the quantity of male hormones is more than that of female hormones in a woman’s body then she is likely to suffer from PCOS. This growth of PCOS adversely affects the ovulation rate of a woman and can cause irregular ovulation.

PCOS restricts the growth of ovarian follicles and as a result these follicles are not able to release eggs. The follicles are left with less time to reach maturity and they continue to grow as small size cysts (fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. However women with cysts need not necessarily have PCOS.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

The main symptoms of PCOS that doctors look for while diagnosing the causes of infertility include:

• Irregular and/or no ovulation which means no eggs to be impregnated

• Irregular and/or no menstruation

• Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes

• High levels of male hormones, also called androgens

• Severe acne, oily skin, or dandruff

• Considerable pelvic pain

• Weight gain or obesity, especially extra weight around the waist

• High cholesterol level and high blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

• Male-pattern baldness or thinning of hair

• Skin discolorations around the genitals, chest and arm pits

• Growth of skin tags, or tiny flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

• Sleep apnea i.e. excessive snoring and occasional stoppage of breathing while sleeping

• Insulin resistance

All of these symptoms need not be present for the diagnosis of PCO. The tests to confirm the suspected diagnosis include:

1. A reverse FSH/LH ratio performed on Day 3 of the menstrual cycle

2. Characteristic appearance of the ovaries on a pelvic ultrasound

3. Characteristic appearance of the ovaries when visualized surgically by laparoscopy or laparotomy

Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

As per the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, treatment procedures for PCOS differ from one patient to another based on symptoms and whether the woman wants to conceive or needs contraception. A detailed look at the symptoms and family history is essential to start appropriate treatment. Controlling the symptoms of PCOS is the best cure to reduce the risks associated with it.

To control the side effects of PCOS a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial. The remedies for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) include:

• Contraceptive pills: Not exactly a cure for PCOS, these pills regulates menstrual periods, reduce male hormone levels and acne growth. But once the pills are discontinued, the menstrual cycle tends to again become abnormal.

• Diabetes Medications: Medicines for type 2 diabetes such as Metformin, also called Glucophage, regulates glucose, decreases testosterone production, slows down abnormal hair growth and normalize ovulation after a few months of use.

• Fertility treatments: The lack of ovulation is the main fertility problem for women with PCOS. However, before starting with fertility treatment it is essential that sperm count and the partner’s tubes are checked to make sure they are open.

• Ovarian Drilling Surgery: This surgery, considered the last treatment option, is used to induce ovulation. This helps in reducing male hormone levels and aids ovulation. However, the surgery carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary.

• Maintaining a healthy body weight: Healthy weight lowers glucose levels, restores regular periods and uses insulin more effectively. It has been proved that losing even a small amount of weight can help balance hormones and restore fertility.

If the normal course of treatment for PCOS does not yield positive conception results, it is essential to seek out the care of a Reproductive Endocrinologist. East Bay Fertility Center (www.ebfertility.com), California, offers a wide range of infertility treatments along with expert medical counseling to couples facing difficulty in conceiving. Under the guidance of Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician, medical staff at East Bay provides dedicated treatment for infertility and reproductive endocrine issues. East Bay Fertility Center specializes in providing infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization, insemination, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, egg donation and gestational surrogacy.

With the right type of treatment and intervention, East Bay Fertility Center assists couples who have been having problems conceiving to overcome those difficulties in the shortest possible time in order to realize their dreams of having a healthy baby.