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Texas Fertility Center Group

PCOS FAQ

Read our PCOS FAQ for answers to your questions about polycystic ovary syndrome

If you are looking for experienced PCOS infertility specialists in Texas, you have come to the right place. Our team of board certified reproductive endocrinologists welcomes you and offers this PCOS FAQ to answer common questions about polycystic ovary syndrome and fertility.

PCOS

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PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common hormone disorder in women. The imbalance of hormones can interfere with ovulation and cause cysts to form on the ovaries. These cysts produce male hormones called androgens, which are also present in women, but normally at lower levels. Because PCOS can cause higher androgen levels, this syndrome disrupts a woman’s menstrual cycles and can cause unpleasant symptoms and infertility.

Scientists have yet to determine a specific cause for PCOS, but research indicates that several factors may play a role, including insulin resistance, hormone imbalances and genetics. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS if they have a sister or mother with the disorder. Women who are obese or insulin-resistant are also at higher risk.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, affecting up to 10% of women in America.

If you experience any of the following symptoms and are struggling to conceive, we encourage you to make an appointment with our PCOS specialists in Texas.

  • Missed or irregular periods
  • Very light periods
  • Cysts on ovaries, sometimes painful
  • Abnormal body hair growth, including hair on the chest, belly or back (hirsutism)
  • Acne
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Hair thinning or hair loss
  • Skin tags, or thickening or darkening skin patches
  • Insulin resistance
  • Infertility

The hormone imbalances, increased androgen levels, and ovarian cysts associated with PCOS can affect ovulation. In some women, ovulation becomes irregular, while in others, it stops altogether. These hormone imbalances can also affect the uterine lining, which is essential for an embryo to implant and develop into a healthy pregnancy.

Our reproductive endocrinologists look at several criteria when PCOS is suspected. We will ask about your medical and menstrual history and order blood tests, as well as an ultrasound exam of the reproductive organs to check for cysts. We may also order a glucose tolerance test to check for insulin resistance. Together, these tests can provide a clear picture that can indicate a polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis.

While there is no “cure” for PCOS, certain treatments and lifestyle changes can help women feel better by improving their symptoms. Weight loss through dieting and exercise can lead to symptom relief. For women who are trying to get pregnant, fertility treatments and hormonal medications are also available to maximize their chances of success.

It can, making this one of our most common PCOS FAQs. Women who have PCOS are more likely to be overweight than women without this condition. The hormone imbalances associated with PCOS can cause weight gain. However, not all women with PCOS experience weight gain or obesity. PCOS is thought to be a genetic condition, and while weight loss can improve symptoms, the syndrome is not caused by being overweight.

PCOS is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, among other medical conditions. In fact, women who have PCOS have up to an 8 times higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, compared to women without this disorder. This is because women with PCOS often have insulin resistance, which results in higher than normal blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to development of type 2 diabetes. 

Yes, and our PCOS specialists in Texas can help. Several effective fertility treatments are available to help women with PCOS conceive. In addition to helping women make a plan for diet, exercise and stress reduction to reduce PCOS symptoms, we can prescribe medications such as Clomid or letrozole to help with ovulation, combined with careful monitoring and often, intrauterine insemination (IUI). In some cases, we may recommend more advanced assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF. Your personal treatment plan will be based on the results of your fertility testing and individual situation, with a goal of achieving a healthy pregnancy as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

Insurance benefits for PCOS vary by policy. However, most insurance plans do cover PCOS evaluation and diagnostic testing, as well as medications targeting symptom relief, such as birth control pills and metformin. Insurance may also cover counseling for lifestyle changes targeted at weight loss and symptom control. Some policies will also cover necessary fertility treatments for PCOS patients who wish to conceive. Our team will review your benefits with your insurance company and ensure that you have a reliable estimate of any treatment costs, so that you know what to expect before moving forward with PCOS treatment for infertility.

We are here to answer all of your PCOS FAQs

Because every woman’s experience with polycystic ovary syndrome is different, we create targeted treatment plans designed to meet each woman’s goals for family-building. If you’ve read this PCOS FAQ and still have questions, or are struggling to conceive and think you might have PCOS, we urge you to reach out to schedule an appointment. Our PCOS specialists in Texas are here to provide the targeted fertility treatment you need to have a baby.