Worldwide, about 20 percent women of childbearing age group suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects their menstrual pattern and ability to have children. Fortunately, this increasingly common health problem is controllable with the help of lifestyle modifications and accurate fertility treatment. Dr. Anagha Karkhanis, Consultant IVF and Reproductive Surgery, Cocoon Fertility addresses some common readers’ queries.
Why do I have PCOS?
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, research suggests that several factors, including genetics, could play a role. Women with PCOS are more likely to have a mother or sister with PCOS. The main underlying problem in PCOS is hormonal imbalance. In women with PCOS, the ovaries make more androgens (male hormones that females also make) than normal. High levels of these hormones affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.
How do I recognise the symptoms of PCOS?
The symptoms of PCOS can vary from woman to woman. Infrequent, absent, or irregular menstrual periods are Common. Hirsutism which is increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach or back occurs because of increase in male hormones. Acne and oily skin also occur due to the same reason. Women with PCOS generally tend to put on extra weight. I know I have PCOS, but I have not understood how it is treated. Can you explain? Sure, let me elaborate.
PCOS can be treated with Weight loss: Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese, which can cause health problems. You can help manage your PCOS by eating healthy and exercising to keep your weight in check. Supportive medications: PCOS leads to insulin resistance and hence is treated with metformin. Metformin affects the way insulin controls blood glucose and lowers testosterone production. It slows the growth of abnormal hair and, after a few months of use, may help ovulation to return. Surgery – Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling is a procedure that may increase the chance of ovulation. It’s sometimes used when a woman does not respond to fertility medicines.
Fertility medications: Lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problems in women with PCOS.
Several medications that stimulate ovulation can help women with PCOS become pregnant. These include ‘Clomiphene’, which is a medication used to treat infertility in women who do not ovulate.In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF can help women with PCOS have a baby by offering the best chance of becoming pregnant in any given cycle. It also gives better control over the chance of multiple births.
Is weight loss critical for women with PCOS when trying for a baby?
Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of obesity, depression, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and infertility. Weight loss helps in reducing insulin resistance, this in turn helps with ovulation process. Losing 10% of your body fat could be enough to improve symptoms.
Can IVF genuinely help a woman with PCOS to get pregnant?
Yes, but not all women with PCOS will need IVF. Most women with PCO can conceive with lesser interventions.
