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Texas Fertility Center Group

PCOS and Periods

Answering common patient questions about PCOS and periods

Even before receiving a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), many patients notice that they don’t have regular periods. In fact, knowing that a patient has irregular periods can help our Austin PCOS doctors make this diagnosis. Because our team believes that knowledge is power, we often help patients learn more about PCOS and periods.

PCOS

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PCOS and Infertility

A look at the typical menstrual cycle

The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular periods, which is caused by ovulatory dysfunction. To understand how PCOS and periods work, our Austin PCOS doctors feel it’s important to first know how a normal ovulatory cycle operates.

Normal ovulation is the result of synchronized communication between the brain and the ovary. The brain sends signals to the ovary that tell the ovary to recruit a team of follicles (the sacs that hold your eggs) and allow one of them to grow, mature and release (ovulate).

This process increases your estrogen levels so that at the same time, the lining of your uterus (endometrium) is growing into a soft landing place for a potential pregnancy. Once the egg is released, your progesterone level increases to further prepare the endometrium for pregnancy.

If the egg is not fertilized, your progesterone levels drop. This is what causes you to bleed during your period.

How does PCOS affect my period? Answering questions about PCOS and periods

Polycystic ovary syndrome is different when compared to a typical menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the hormonal axis between the brain and ovaries is out of balance.

  • Likely due to a combination of genetics and environment, the brain’s release of a master hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is disturbed.
  • The disturbed release of GnRH leads to elevated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH).
  • These imbalances affect ovarian function, which leads to an increase in androgens (forms of testosterone).
  • Through a cycle of increased androgens and insulin resistance, the follicles stop growing in an early stage. They often do not mature and do not release with ovulation.
  • When ovulation is delayed, you do not experience the normal increase and subsequent withdrawal of progesterone. This leads to a delayed period.

These issues are why most patients with PCOS have spaced-out periods. However, the estrogen-dominant environment may cause additional changes. Some examples include an abnormally thickened uterine lining, uterine polyps and even cancer. All of these items can cause more frequent bleeding.

As you can see, it can be complex to answer the question, “How does PCOS affect my period?” However, our Austin PCOS doctors know how to diagnose and treat problems with PCOS and periods.

If your periods are less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart (or if you have fewer than 8 periods per year), you may be experiencing irregular periods due to PCOS. Contact us to schedule an appointment and receive the care you need for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Madeline Kaye MD