What should you know about PCOS Awareness Month?
As September is PCOS Awareness Month, our Indiana fertility center wants to help women learn more about this common disorder. PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a metabolic disorder that results from an imbalance of reproductive hormones. It affects millions of women. The condition can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms, and it is one of the leading causes of infertility. However, proper diagnosis and treatment can help women find relief from the symptoms and achieve motherhood.
Spreading information in honor of PCOS Awareness Month
A goal of this month is to educate women about the symptoms of this disorder, so they can seek proper treatment. If a woman has polycystic ovary syndrome, she likely experiences many of the following symptoms.
- Irregular periods
- Ovarian cysts
- Difficulty conceiving
- High levels of androgens
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Facial hair
This disorder is also linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression and endometrial cancer.
The doctors at our Indiana fertility center encourage women to seek medical support if they have some or all of these symptoms. To determine whether a woman has PCOS, a fertility specialist will look over her medical history and likely recommend a pelvic exam, bloodwork and an ultrasound.
How we treat PCOS
In addition to knowing the symptoms to look for, an important part of PCOS Awareness Month is learning about its treatment. The first step many doctors take when treating a woman with PCOS is recommending weight loss. Losing just 5% of her body weight can improve her symptoms and fertility. For women not trying to become pregnant right now, the doctor might also prescribe birth control pills.
If a woman wants to conceive, a specialist at our Indiana fertility center may suggest ovulation induction medication. They may also recommend intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) in certain situations.
If you experience the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, we can help. Our compassionate team is well-versed in this disorder and can support you from diagnosis to treatment.
Contact us for more information about PCOS Awareness Month or to schedule an appointment.