Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - (PCOS)

Approximately 10 to 15% women of childbearing age have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome which is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may adversely affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to conceive, body weight, cosmetic appearancen—acne and increased facial hair, long term health and quality of life. However, not all women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have the same symptoms but some of them are

• Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding.
• Infertility (inability to get pregnant).
• Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes.
• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff.
• Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist.
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
• High cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
• Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs.
• Pelvic pain.
• Anxiety or depression due to infertility and/or cosmetic appearance.

Treatment is based on your symptoms, whether or not you wish to become pregnant and whether you wish to seek advice regarding menstrual problems, cosmetic appearance or long term health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Most women require a combination of treatment modalities to achieve these goals.

If infertility is the main concern , then treatment is aimed at inducing ovulation by oral medication. If ovaries are still not responsive, then we have the option of using injectable gonadotrophins or laproscopic procedures( ovarian drilling).