Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS, is a very common endocrine disorder that affects around 10% of women and accounts for 7% of all cases of anovulatory infertility.
What is PCOS?
PCOS refers to the development of multiple cysts on the ovaries, which are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. On ultrasound scans, about a quarter of all women will show polycystic ovaries (PCO), but not all will display the other symptoms which are commonly associated with PCOS.
The severity of symptoms varies greatly amongst PCOS patients. The ovaries of women suffering from PCOS secrete an excessive amount of androgens which stimulates the development of several ovarian follicles that do not respond to FSH, thus preventing the selection of a dominant follicle and the release of the egg.
During a normal menstrual cycle, a woman produces several follicles, but a hormonal signal induces the selection of a dominant follicle to release the egg a few days later. This mechanism is disrupted in PCOS patients, which means that the hormones of women who are suffering from PCOS are out of balance.
Several different symptoms exists when it comes to PCOS and all vary greatly with each individual. The symptoms of women suffering from PCOS include acne, obesity, high cholesterol levels, excessive hair growth in the face and / or the body (especially on the back, the chest and the belly), elevated blood pressure and irregular or no menstrual periods.
If you have periods, it is important to monitor your ovulation as it is a very useful way of timing intercourse and increasing your chances of conceiving.
Using ovulation tests to detect your ovulation will not work for most women with PCOS as the unusual levels of LH will give regular false positives. On the other hand, biphasic temperature patterns are seen in many PCOS patients, which means that careful monitoring of BBT can make it easier for you to accurately plan.
DuoFertility has been shown to be very effective for women with PCOS, and can also be used in combination with Fertility treatment such as Clomid and Metformin.
If you would like further information, please contact our team of fertility specialists on 01223 967 701.
DuoFertility has teamed up with Verity to offer new users of DuoFertility a one year membership to the charity. As a member of Verity, you will enjoy a twice yearly newsletter packed full of useful information about how to live positively with PCOS as well as the chance to attend event days to meet others living with the condition. The charity also works closely with leading experts in the field of PCOS research and care which gives it's members the best advice and support on coping with PCOS. To receive this membership offer please add VERITYPCOS to the order comments section on your DuoFertility order form
Helen and David had been trying for a baby for 20 months. Helen has polycystic ovarian syndrome, and monitoring ovulation had always been a problem until she started using DuoFertility.
