Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is one of most common causes of infertility in females. About 5 to 10 percent of women of child bearing age have PCOS. Most don’t realize they have it.
PCOS is a medical condition that affects:
* Hormone levels
* Physical appearance
* Fertility
* Menstrual cycles
It’s believed that PCOS is caused by high levels of insulin which result in abnormal levels of male hormones or androgens. These hormone levels interfere with the female body’s production of female hormones. The hormones are necessary for ovulation and inhibit any of the follicles to mature and be released by the ovary. Because ovulation does not occur progesterone is not produced. Since progesterone is necessary for the lining of the uterus to thicken, PCOS results in irregular or absent period.
Symptoms of PCOS:
* Irregular periods
* Increased hair growth on face, back or chest
* Cysts on the ovaries
* Thinning hair
* Obesity
* Elevated insulin levels of Type II Diabetes
* Acne
* PMS
* Pelvic Pain
* Infertility
PCOS infertility treatments are available:
* Weight loss can help.
* Medication that helps the body process insulin better.
* Fertility drugs that increase production of female hormones.
* In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)