At Medi-Gyn, we believe PCOS is an important subject for women in the reproductive and premenopausal age. This is because 1 in 4 women in the Middle East has PCOS, many of who are not diagnosed.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine reproductive disorder that affects women in the reproductive age group but can cause a long list of hormonal symptoms. It is a condition characterised by the formation of cysts in the ovaries, affecting their function. This, in turn, affects a woman’s menstrual cycle, especially her periods and ovulation, making it hard for her to get pregnant.
Did you know 70% to 80% of women with PCOS also suffer from infertility?
PCOS is a disorder of insulin resistance. Women with this condition often exhibit high levels of blood sugar because their body cells are immune to insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin resistance is also associated with reduced levels of DHEA, a precursor of oestrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms of PCOS
Just having polycystic ovaries does not mean you have PCOS. Our experts at Medi-Gyn evaluate symptoms to determine if you have PCOS. To be diagnosed with PCOS, you need to have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Increase in body hair (hirsutism)
- Being overweight or finding it hard to lose weight
- Oily skin and acne
- Difficulty in getting pregnant
- Skin tags in the armpits or neck area
- Darkening of skin folds (Acanthosis nigricans)
- Insulin resistance
- Hormonal imbalance
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is not known. What is known is that it occurs due to a complex interplay of several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, family history, and imbalance of hormones like insulin, oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Does PCOS Affect Fertility?
PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, and the connection between them is significant. For women with PCOS, irregular ovulation or the absence of ovulation can make it challenging to conceive. The hormonal imbalances that are characteristic of PCOS, especially elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, further complicate the process of ovulation, making it less frequent and unpredictable for conception.
But don’t fret! While PCOS can make conceiving more difficult, it is not impossible. Our experts at Medi-Gyn assure effective treatment of PCOS and management of symptoms, making it possible for women with PCOS to have successful pregnancies.
Diagnosing PCOS: How is it Done?
To be diagnosed with PCOS, you must have atleast two of these symptoms:
- Irregular or no periods at all
- A transvaginal scan showing polycystic ovaries
- Increase in facial hair or body hair
- Blood tests showing excess testosterone levels
If our experts at Medi-Gyn suspect you have PCOS, they will recommend a thorough evaluation, including blood and hormonal tests. Based on your test results, a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs is created.
Whether you are trying to get pregnant or improve your quality of life, getting medical assistance in managing your PCOS can go a long way.
Our experienced team at Medi-Gyn offers a specialised Hormonal Balancing Programme tailored to your specific hormone needs.
Managing PCOS for Optimal Fertility
Since PCOS is a disorder of insulin resistance, following healthy food and lifestyle habits is important to reverse insulin resistance.
Here are some interventions that we recommend to help manage PCOS:
- Diet and Nutrition: Importance of a balanced diet, foods that help manage PCOS symptoms and tips for weight management
- Exercise: The role of regular physical activity in managing PCOS symptoms and improving fertility
- Medications and Treatments: Overview of medical treatments available for managing PCOS and boosting fertility
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, sleep, and other lifestyle changes that can improve fertility outcomes
At Medi-Gyn, our experts create customised treatment plans, including hormone rebalancing, to help manage PCOS and restore overall health and well-being. To learn more about this programme, click here!
Fertility Treatment Options for Women with PCOS
Besides lifestyle changes and medications, our doctors also recommend several fertility treatment options for women with PCOS, enabling them to fulfil their dream of parenthood. These include:
- Ovulation Induction: Medications like Clomiphene or Letrozole are often the first line of treatment for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS.
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): This procedure involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation, increasing the chances of fertilisation.
- In vitro fertilisation (IVF): If other treatments are unsuccessful, IVF may be recommended. This procedure involves collecting and fertilising an egg outside the body and implanting it into the uterus.
These treatments have varying success rates; the best option depends on individual circumstances. Consult with our fertility specialists to find out what’s best for you!
Wrapping it up
PCOS is more prevalent than we ever knew and presents unique health obstacles in women who live with it. However, with the right knowledge, approach and support, you can take control of your reproductive health. By understanding the connection between PCOS and fertility, making lifestyle changes, and seeking medical intervention, you can unlock the potential for a successful pregnancy.
Book a consultation with our Medi-Gyn Experts today for a comprehensive hormonal evaluation!
