Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common 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 or immature eggs pockets) and fail to regularly release eggs.

This syndrome can affect the woman’s hormonal levels and therefore affect her health in various ways.

Women that have PCOS tend to have long, irregular cycles and possibly an ovulation disorder that can reduce pregnancy rates. Irregular cycles alone can make it extremely difficult to determine when the fertile window is. Further, the poly cystic ovary may not release a mature egg follicle normally, which prevents the woman from ovulating.

Women with PCOS may be overweight and have more facial hair because of the shifting concentration of hormones in their body. They may have issues with sleep apnea, depression, abnormal uterine bleeding and inflammation of the liver.  Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Your provider might recommend:

• A pelvic exam to visually and manually inspects your reproductive organs for masses, growths or other abnormalities.
• Blood tests. Your blood may be analyzed to measure hormone levels. This testing can exclude possible causes of menstrual abnormalities or androgen excess that mimics PCOS. You might have additional blood testing to measure glucose tolerance and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• An ultrasound to check the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus.

PCOS treatment focuses on managing your individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication.

The Nurse Practitioner at Fertility Center of California is highly skilled in ways to regulate the menstrual cycle, get the ovaries to produce a mature follicle, and to ovulate. Knowing exactly when ovulation occurs, insemination or timed intercourse can be pursued.

Call the Tustin office today to schedule your consultation with the Nurse Practitioner! (714) 730 3060