Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most underdiagnosed disorders in the world, with less than 25% of women with the disorder being misdiagnosed. Many women with PCOS may not even realize anything is wrong, or may not show significant signs of any problem. Even so, PCOS is a serious issue and a major contributing factor to fertility problems in women. But what is this? And more importantly, how can we manage it and how can a woman with PCOS increase her chances of having a healthy child safely? This article will explain what PCOS is, its causes and symptoms, how to manage them, and even how to have children when diagnosed with PCOS.

Overview of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder commonly seen in women of reproductive age. The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes an imbalance of reproductive hormones. As a result, people with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unpredictable ovulation. Multiple small cysts may develop on the ovaries due to lack of ovulation.

PCOS is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It can also increase your risk for other health conditions. A reproductive medicine specialist can treat PCOS based on symptoms and intended childbearing plans. With the help of IVF, many women who have PCOS can still achieve their goal of having healthy babies.

What causes PCOS?

In general, PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalance. Changes in hormone levels affect women's health, well-being and physical appearance. The exact cause of this condition is unknown - PCOS sometimes runs in families, but it is widely accepted that PCOS can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Imbalanced hormone levels are key factors why PCOS leads to fertility problems. For example, insulin is a hormone that controls sugar levels in the body. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their bodies, so they produce higher levels of insulin to overcome it. This extra insulin can cause a host of other health problems, as well as make pregnancy and a healthy journey through labor more difficult. Weight is also commonly thought to be a contributing factor—being overweight or obese can also increase the amount of insulin the body produces.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

One of the symptoms of PCOS is hyperandrogenism, which can cause acne, increased body hair, scalp hair loss, and weight gain. PCOS can lead to irregular periods and difficulty getting pregnant. Symptoms can be variable.

Symptoms and complications of PCOS may include:

• Infertility
• Acne or oily skin
• Excessive body hair growth
• Multiple ovarian cysts
• Missed periods or irregular periods
• Baldness or thinning hair
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
• Weight gain, especially around the abdominal area
• Gestational diabetes or high blood pressure due to pregnancy

What can you do if you have PCOS?

If you have missed or irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain, you should contact your doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. A physical examination is usually performed. A pelvic exam is usually added. This test checks the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body.

You may also undergo tests such as:

• Transvaginal ultrasound: This ultrasound is used to check the size of the ovaries and see if there are cysts. The test can also look at the thickness of the endometrial lining of the uterus.
• Blood tests: A panel of hormone levels will be assessed, including high levels of androgens and other hormones. Your doctor may also check your blood glucose levels. And your cholesterol and triglyceride levels may also be checked.

What are the treatments for infertility caused by PCOS?

IVF is one of the most common treatments for women with PCOS who wish to have children. With IVF, there are higher chances of getting pregnant with lower risks. The medication protocol will be decided based on the evaluation of an IVF specialist. At our center, we monitor ovarian response by checking estradiol levels and performing transvaginal ultrasound. We specialize in treating women with PCOS and have a few IVF stimulation protocol options available. Our IVF specialist will choose the best medication protocol for a patient based on the results of her evaluation and will explain further details during a consultation.

The success rate of IVF in PCOS is about 70%, which is great for women with PCOS who want to conceive.

If you are having difficulty conceiving, think you may be experiencing signs or symptoms, or have general questions about PCOS, contact the Center for Reproductive Medicine “Dr. Alexandros Traianos" and together we will help you find the answers you are looking for. For information call the phone (+30) 2310 277 032 or send a message to email alexandrostraianos@gmail.com.