Working together to increase knowledge about PCOS
As International Awareness Month, September is all about PCOS. PCOS stands for ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’. Other names for it are PCO syndrome or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation or functional ovarian hyperandrogenism. It is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting around 8-12% of women of childbearing age. Nevertheless, diagnosis is often delayed, especially when the typical signs are absent or only mildly pronounced.
What symptoms can occur with PCOS?
What makes diagnosis challenging is that the symptoms are very varied and wide-ranging. One indication could be an excess of male hormones, which leads to acne, increased hair growth and menstrual cycle disorders. Severe menstrual cramps, unexplained weight gain, insulin resistance or cysts on the ovaries are also possible indications. Last but not least, the inability to conceive can also be an indication.
How does the doctor diagnose PCOS?
When making a diagnosis, monitoring the menstrual cycle and checking hormone levels by means of a blood test are of primary importance. The main focus here is on checking oestrogen, androgen, LH, FSH and also thyroid hormones. A vaginal ultrasound of the ovaries shows whether they are enlarged and have multiple cysts, i.e. fluid-filled sacs.
Early diagnosis is important to prevent long-term damage, as PCOS increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and endometrial cancer. A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups by a gynaecologist are therefore essential for PCOS patients.
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment depends largely on the patient's symptoms. A healthier lifestyle or hormone therapy can improve symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
What options are available for women affected by PCOS who wish to have a child?
We regularly see patients with PCOS. In some cases, they only receive their diagnosis after extensive testing at the fertility clinic, while others already know about their condition when they come in for their initial consultation. Early treatment is particularly important for women with PCOS who want to have children, because the longer the excess male hormones have a negative impact on the cycle, the more complicated the treatment becomes. However, they usually have a good chance of becoming pregnant with the help of fertility treatment. The type of therapy that is suitable is determined on an individual basis and after extensive examinations of both partners.
Arrange your initial consultation to discuss your options at the Fertility Clinic by:
Here you can find out more about the treatment methods used at the Kinderwunsch Institut
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