SHARES
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormone problem that affects women in their childbearing years of age 15 to 44. It was estimated that up to 26.7 % of women live with PCOS. However, this condition usually remains undiagnosed in 7 out of 10 women, until they experience difficulties in conceiving. In fact, PCOS is known as the main culprit of female infertility.
Generally, the hormone imbalance is contributed by high levels of androgen and insulin. On one hand, having more androgen can prevent the ovaries from ovulating, which leads to infertility. Besides that, these male hormones also cause unwanted hair growth and acne. On the other hand, women with PCOS often do not respond well to insulin, which converts food into energy. If remained uncontrolled, insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes.
Someone with PCOS symptoms may experience these symptoms:
- Irregular period or heavy bleeding
- Excess hair growth on the face and body
- Acne due to oilier skin
- Weight gain, leading to overweight or obesity
- Male-pattern baldness, with thinning of hair on the scalp
- Darkening of skin on the neck, groin or under the breast
- Headache
Can women with PCOS get pregnant?
The good news is — it is possible for women with PCOS to get pregnant with these treatments:
Hormone pills. Women with PCOS often experience irregular menstruation. Hence, birth control pill is prescribed to regulate period. Sometimes, medications to induce ovulation may be required for fertilisation to occur.
Lose weight. Being big-sized can lead to hormonal imbalance; meanwhile, losing weight by 10 % may return hormones to their normal levels. Therefore, it makes menstrual cycle more predictable for conceiving. Maintaining a healthy diet coupled with physical activity is helpful to burn the extra fats.
In vitro fertilisation (IVF). When medications and weight loss failed, IVF may be necessary. Simply put, IVF involves harvesting eggs and sperms and allowing them to fertilise in the laboratory. Successful embryos would be implanted into the uterus for further development.
Surgery. Another option to consider when all else fails would be ovarian drilling. It was deduced that women with PCOS have thicken outer shell (cortex) of the ovaries, which makes spontaneous ovulation impossible. When multiple tiny holes are made on the ovary surface, it restores ovulation for six to eight months.
Conclusion
Women with PCOS suffer from hormonal imbalance, which leads to reduce attractiveness or infertility. However, there is always hope if one seeks proper treatment from healthcare professionals. Talk to a fertility specialist to discover what is suitable for you.
If you would like to make an appointment with a Fertility Specialist:
Find a Fertility Specialist in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Fertility Specialist in Singapore, on GetDoc
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
