Answering common patient questions about PMOS and periods

Even before receiving a diagnosis of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), many patients notice that they don’t have regular periods. In fact, knowing that a patient has irregular periods can help our Austin PMOS doctors make this diagnosis in women who come to us for help achieving pregnancy. Because our team believes that knowledge is power, we often help patients learn more about PMOS and periods.

A look at the typical menstrual cycle

PMOS is a common cause of infertility in women. The most common symptom of PMOS is irregular periods, which is caused by ovulatory dysfunction. To understand how PMOS and periods work, our Austin PMOS 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 PMOS affect my period? Answering questions about PMOS and periods

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome is different when compared to a typical menstrual cycle. With PMOS, the hormonal axis between the brain and ovaries is out of balance.

These issues are why most patients with PMOS have spaced-out periods, and why many struggle with infertility. 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 can cause more frequent bleeding and make it difficult to get pregnant.

As you can see, it can be complex to answer the question, “How does PMOS affect my period?” However, our Austin PMOS doctors know how to diagnose and treat problems with PMOS and periods, helping women overcome polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to have children.

If your periods are less than 21 days apart or more than 35 days apart (or if you have fewer than eight periods per year), you may be experiencing irregular periods due to PMOS.  If you are trying to conceive and experiencing these symptoms, contact us to schedule an appointment for a complete fertility workup. Effective fertility treatments are available to help women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome become pregnant, and we are here to help.