Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It causes problems primarily because it affects the hormones in a woman’s body, leading to a lack of ovulation. In order for a woman to be diagnosed with the condition, she must have very infrequent ovulation or none at all. There are a combination of factors which may impact PCOS and ovulation, and each individual is different.
PCOS is hallmarked by a lack of ovulation, usually combined with one or more other symptoms. Women may have lower abdominal pain and cramps caused by small cysts which form on the ovaries. They may also experience unusually long and heavy periods when they occur, commonly caused by a buildup of the lining of the uterus. Other symptoms may include unwanted body or facial hair, insulin resistance, obesity, a deepening of the voice, and acne. These are primarily caused by higher than normal levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone and lower than normal levels of the hormone progesterone.
All of the hormones in a woman’s body generally work together to cause both the thickening of the uterus and ovulation, and to support a healthy pregnancy. PCOS and ovulation are not compatible because the hormones which cause an egg to be released are either not present in high enough amounts, or are not received efficiently by the body. Those same hormones are also needed to carry a pregnancy to term, so miscarriage tends to be higher among women with PCOS than those without.
There are various potential ways to help regulate PCOS and ovulation, the most common being hormonal replacements. Progesterone pills, shots, or natural creams or suppositories may be used to stimulate egg release. Once an egg has been released, pregnancy is more likely. Hormones are also often continued to allow the woman to carry her pregnancy to term.
Women have many other reasons to treat PCOS and ovulation problems aside from curing infertility. Higher levels of estrogen in the body may present a higher risk for cervical cancer and breast cancer. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance may lead to diabetes, which puts a woman at higher risk for later developing kidney and heart problems. Obesity, a common side effect of poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, can result in a host of health problems all by itself.
Before becoming pregnant after PCOS and ovulation irregularity treatments, women should monitor and keep track of their menstrual cycles. A few normal cycles should be noted before pregnancy is tried for. Women should also have a routine cervical exam, ultrasound, and culture done to ensure that there is no cancer present and that the uterus is in good condition. Hormones both before and during pregnancy should be closely monitored.
