What You Need to Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Pregnancy

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome impacts a woman’s ovaries and ovulation. It is also referred to as PCOS and is a condition accompanied by cysts on the ovaries and altered hormone levels. In turn, this can impact a woman’s ability to conceive. At Plano Women’s Healthcare, we offer many Obstetric and Gynecological services that are performed with compassion by our all-female staff. Equipped with expert physicians, we can help diagnose and treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Understanding the Causes and Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, have a hormonal imbalance that causes them to secrete higher-than-average levels of male hormones. This imbalance disrupts the body, causing women to miss their menstrual cycle and making it more difficult to conceive. Unfortunately, PCOS usually affects women between the ages of 15-44 who are in their childbearing years.

The root cause of PCOS has not been directly pinpointed. However, abnormal androgen levels affect normal hormone levels and the functioning of the ovaries. Some factors that have been associated with increased androgen levels include inflammation, genes, and insulin resistance. More specifically, women with PCOS usually have higher rates of inflammation in their bodies. This can be exacerbated if the individual is also overweight. Too much inflammation can cause an increase in androgen levels. Also, genes have revealed that PCOS has the tendency to run in families, and many individuals with PCOS also have insulin resistance that contributes to the production of male hormones.

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Impacts Fertility and Pregnancy

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome impacts the ovaries, which produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone that help regulate a woman’s periods. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are also disrupted. Both FSH and LH are made in the pituitary gland and play a key role in controlling when a woman ovulates. FSH helps the ovary make a follicle, which is a sac with an immature egg in it. Next, the presence of LH signals to the ovary when it should release a matured egg.

Because the hormone levels are interrupted, the egg never matures. Instead, these egg follicles are filled with fluid and become cysts. In fact, this is where Polycystic Ovary Syndrome acquired its name since “polycystic” translates to “many cysts.”

In essence, the disruption in normal hormone levels can cause women to miss their cycles. The release of higher levels of male hormones referred to as androgens compound the problem, making it hard for some women to conceive due to the disruption in ovulation. Though some women who have PCOS are still able to conceive, they are much more likely to experience complications in their pregnancies. Pregnancy complications associated with PCOS include high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, and preterm birth.

Common Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Not every woman who has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome knows it. However, it is one of the leading causes of infertility and is accompanied by several symptoms, including cysts on the ovaries.

Many women with PCOS experience missed or irregular menstrual cycles due to a lack of ovulation. When a woman does not ovulate, the uterine lining is not shed. However, when there is the presence of a menstrual cycle, it is often heavy because the lining has been building up for a prolonged period of time.

Women with PCOS may also experience atypical hair growth. This usually occurs on the face, chest, stomach, or back. Since male hormones can increase the skin’s oiliness, there may also be acne present on the body, including the upper back, chest, and face.

Additional symptoms of PCOS include weight gain, dark patches of skin under the breasts, on the neck, or around the groin, and male pattern baldness. Finally, abnormal hormone levels can sometimes cause headaches. PCOS may even play a role in other health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes.

The symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may present as soon as a woman has her first menstrual cycle. However, other women remain unaware of the problem and do not find out they have PCOS until they are either having issues with conception or start experiencing other symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women are diagnosed with PCOS when they are experiencing at least some of the main symptoms, including the presence of cysts in the ovaries, higher levels of androgen, and irregular periods. A pelvic exam or ultrasound can reveal any trouble with the ovaries, and androgen levels may easily be checked via blood tests.

It is important to remember that if you are diagnosed with PCOS, there are treatments available. For example, receiving fertility treatments can help a woman ovulate and increase the chance of pregnancy. In addition, lifestyle changes such as weight loss, exercise, diet, and lower blood sugar levels can enhance a woman’s opportunity to experience a healthy pregnancy.

Other common medical treatments for PCOS include various medications or birth control pills that can help women have more predictable menstrual cycles. Birth control pills and hair removal medications may even help treat some symptoms of PCOS, including additional hair growth. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. In essence, there are multiple options for treating PCOS, and it is still possible to go on to have a healthy pregnancy.

Receive Personalized Healthcare at Plano Women’s Healthcare

Plano Women’s Healthcare is dedicated to providing all patients with compassionate healthcare, and we offer OB-GYN services by an all-female staff. If you are missing menstrual cycles or experiencing other symptoms of PCOS, Plano Women’s Healthcare is here for you. We believe in personalized healthcare and a comfortable environment that can address your needs and concerns.