Are PCOS symptoms reversible?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed in about seven percent of women with irregular menstrual periods and problems conceiving. Other symptoms of PCOS include excessive facial hair growth, acne outbreaks, migraines, insulin resistance and weight gain. Doctors believe PCOS is caused by hormone imbalances involving follicle stimulating and luteinizing hormone, two hormones involved in ovulation. Women with PCOS may also suffer from ovarian cysts resulting from eggs that fail to mature enough for completing the ovulation process. Because PCOS increases the risk for heart disease, diabetes, infertility and uterine cancer, women diagnosed with PCOS should seek treatment through ovulation induction and hormone-balancing medications.
Are Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Reversible?
Exercising and eating healthy foods can help reduce or eliminate PCOS symptoms by preventing weight gain and development of insulin resistance. In addition, doctors may prescribe birth control pills to women with PCOS who are not trying to get pregnant to help regulate periods, inhibit excessive hair growth and control acne outbreaks. Metformin is another medication used to treat PCOS that lowers androgen levels, blood glucose, and insulin levels.
PCOS and Infertility
If you have PCOS and are searching for methods of enhancing fertility, you should receive a fertility evaluation to determine what may be causing your infertility. These evaluations include a variety of tests and exams involving imaging and blood tests to check hormone levels. Your fertility doctor may also want urine, thyroid and progesterone tests as well. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds, sonohysterographies, and hysteroscopies are sometimes needed to provide your doctor with more precise information regarding your PCOS diagnosis and fertility problems.
What is Ovulation Induction?
Enhancing fertility via ovulation induction is meant to stimulate development and release of viable eggs. Fertility drugs used to induce ovulation include Seraphene, Clomid, Follistim (a follicle stimulating hormone) and hCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin. Following a complete fertility evaluation, your doctor will decide which one of these drugs is best suited for addressing your needs. If you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and have had trouble getting pregnant, call New York Reproductive Wellness at (516) 612-8466 to schedule an appointment with our fertility physician.
