Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder which affects between 4%-6% of reproductive age women. It is one of the most common causes of infertility. This disorder is characterized by irregular menstruation, excessive hair growth, occasionally overweight and high androgen levels. Patients with PCOS are at high risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and endometrial cancer.

The UHealth Reproductive and Fertility Center specializes in PCOS treatments and has developed a proven record of success with numerous patients. Through our multi-disciplinary approach, we address the spectrum of PCOS patients’ needs, including a weight loss program, regulation of menstrual cycles and treatment of excessive hair growth. If weight loss does not restore natural ovulation, ovulation-inducing medications clomiphene citrate can be used to promote ovulation.

For patients who do not respond to clomiphene and diet and lifestyle modification, other options include controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injections with or without intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Treatments

Lifestyle Modifications
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, your doctor may recommend losing weight and increasing your physical activity.

Medications
Your specialist may prescribe medication – such as combination birth control pills or progestin therapy – to try to regulate your periods and restore a more normal hormone balance.

Tests

Physical Examination
A complete physical examination (including a Pap smear and testing for infection) will be necessary.

Hormone Testing
Hormone testing may be recommended, as certain hormones increase and decrease in production at various times.

Ovulation Evaluation
If your doctor suspects you are not ovulating regularly, you may need to undergo a specialized evaluation that checks your body temperature and ovulation, known as the basal body temperature chart. Another method of predicting and analyzing ovulation is with urine samples.