Common Disorder a Major Cause of Infertility
September marks Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month
As many as five million women in the United States suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This common endocrine disorder is a leading cause of infertility and is also strongly linked to diabetes and obesity. Because symptoms often vary from patient to patient the disorder is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, the disorder can manifest as early as a woman’s teenage years. Symptoms include irregular menstruation cycles, excessive hair growth on the face or abdomen, acne, unexplained weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
PCOS – Common Disorder a Major Cause of Infertility
Women with PCOS have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.
PCOS can have an enormous impact on fertility, and it is not uncommon for women to be unaware they have the disorder until they have difficulty conceiving. Lifestyle changes are usually the first course of action suggested for women with PCOS since losing even five percent of body weight can make a substantial impact. There are also medications that can be used to help stimulate ovulation.
“It can take more time for a patient with PCOS to conceive, but we have successfully treated thousands of women with this disorder who have given birth to healthy children,” said Dr. Sandy Goodman of The Reproductive Medicine Group. “Women with PCOS should never give up on their dream of getting pregnant or having a child.”