Infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs, leading to infertility.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and infertility.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain. Signs and symptoms of PCOS vary and may include:

• Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles
• Excess hair growth (hirsutism)
• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Patches of thick, darker, velvety skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Infertility in PCOS

Infertility is a common issue for women with PCOS due to the lack of ovulation. Without ovulation, there are no eggs to be fertilized. Some women with PCOS may have a menstrual cycle but not actually ovulate, which can further complicate the process of achieving pregnancy.

Treatment

Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. Losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can help regulate your menstrual cycle and improve PCOS symptoms. Medication can also help to regulate the menstrual cycle and treat PCOS symptoms such as hair growth and acne.

See Also

• Ovarian cyst
• Endocrine system
• Menstrual cycle
• Androgen
• Infertility