PCOS After Puberty Can Cause Infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and can happen at any age after puberty. It can also cause missed or irregular menstrual periods and lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries.

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PCOS is an imbalance of reproductive hormones and affects between 5-10% of women aged 15-44, which means it afflicts them during their childbearing years, and just after puberty.

If a girl has gone through puberty, she can get PCOS.

What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?

When a woman has PCOS, her egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be. The most common PCOS symptoms are missed, irregular, infrequent, or prolonged periods. Other symptoms include:

Pelvic pain
Mood changes
Weight gain around your middle
Acne
Hair loss or hair in places you don’t want it, like on your face
Darkened skin or skin tags on the neck or in the armpits

How Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

Some hormones affect your menstrual cycle and are tied to your ability to have a baby, so when hormones are imbalanced, it can result in infertility.

The hormones that play a role in PCOS include:

Androgens (like testosterone and androstenedione)
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Estrogen
Progesterone
Insulin

Can I Still Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Yes! You can still get pregnant. Thankfully, there are several options available to help your chances of getting pregnant if you have PCOS. These include:

Losing weight – If you are overweight or obese, losing weight through healthy eating and regular physical activity can help make your menstrual cycle more regular and improve your fertility.
Medicine – After ruling out other causes of infertility in you and your partner, your doctor might prescribe medicine to help you ovulate, such as clomiphene (Clomid).
In vitro fertilization (IVF) – IVF may be an option if medicine does not work. Compared to medicine alone, IVF has higher pregnancy rates and better control over your risk of having twins and triplets.
Surgery – Surgery is also an option, but usually only if the other options do not work. Ovarian drilling is a surgery in which the doctor makes a few holes in the surface of your ovary using lasers or a fine needle heated with electricity. Surgery usually restores ovulation, but only for 6 to 8 months.

Our OB/GYNs Can Help

If you think you have PCOS, talk to your OB/GYN before you plan to become pregnant, as they can suggest lifestyle changes and treatment options that may help your ability to conceive in the future. If you’re currently trying to become pregnant, your physician can suggest medicines or other treatment options.

Call us today at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online at either our Canton or Woodstock location.