Our doctors provide customized PCOS treatment to address symptoms and infertility

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It can also cause unpleasant symptoms that range from irregular periods and ovarian cysts to acne and weight gain. Thankfully, the doctors at Texas Fertility Center provide PCOS treatment options that can help alleviate the symptoms of the condition and improve fertility.

Our Austin PCOS specialists have helped many women with this condition welcome healthy babies. By combining the latest PCOS fertility options with extensive expertise in reproductive medicine, our doctors work with patients to overcome the challenges of this condition.

Diagnosing a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome is the first step

The right diagnosis is the key to developing an effective PCOS treatment plan. As a result, our Austin PCOS specialists will first perform diagnostic testing when a woman comes in with symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.

There is no definitive test to diagnose this condition. However, taking a medical history and performing a series of tests can help our doctors determine whether a patient has PCOS.

• As part of the medical history, our fertility doctors will ask about a patient’s menstrual periods, weight changes, acne and excess hair growth.
• A pelvic exam can help our doctors determine whether there are any growths or abnormalities on the reproductive organs.
• Bloodwork can determine whether a patient has elevated levels of androgens (male-type hormones) or abnormal glucose, cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• Using a transvaginal ultrasound, our team can determine whether a patient has ovarian cysts.

To make a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, the patient must have at least two out of three symptoms. These symptoms include (1) elevated androgen levels, (2) multiple ovarian cysts and (3) irregular periods. After making a diagnosis, our doctors can help a patient explore her treatment options.

PCOS treatment is always customized at Texas Fertility Center

Our Austin PCOS specialists realize that two women with this condition can visit our team and have different symptoms and goals. As a result, our doctors work with each patient to determine what her concerns are and how she would like to address them.

Lifestyle changes can often help with PCOS. Some key changes include implementing a nutritious, low-carbohydrate diet and regular physical activity. These changes can help women reach and maintain a healthy weight. Research has shown that weight loss can improve androgen and insulin levels as well as help regulate ovulation. As for exercise, it can lower blood sugar.

Because many women with polycystic ovary syndrome have trouble ovulating, our doctors may recommend certain medications. Birth control pills can regulate hormone levels in women who do not want to conceive right now. In contrast, fertility medications like clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and letrozole (Femara) can help stimulate the ovaries to achieve ovulation.

If medication alone isn’t enough to help a patient conceive, our doctors offer other highly effective fertility treatments. PCOS fertility options like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) can often help women bring home a healthy baby.

When you work with our Austin PCOS specialists, our team can help you find the best treatment for you. Contact us if you’d like to schedule an appointment and learn more about your PCOS treatment options.