Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Abstract

W does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) mean for women today? This disorder affects 10-15% of women between the ages of 14 to 44. The luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin resistance are the most common endocrine aberrations seen in PCOS. Symptoms include irregular or absent period cycles, excess body and facial hair, diabetes, excessive acne, pelvic pain due to cyst, obesity and challenges with pregnancy. However, this shouldn’t deter women from their dream of having children, because it is still possible. During this session, we will examine: the implications of PCOS on health and fertility level; pathophysiology of PCOS and the incidence of PCOS in women who are of reproductive age; current fertility treatments and options available to assist women who are diagnosed with PCOS on getting pregnant: metformin, clomid, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF); the advantages and disadvantages of birth control on the female reproductive system; diagnostic criteria and assessment of PCOS for better outcomes and how to best prepare a woman with PCOS diagnosis for conception? Our goal is to help you better educate the women in your care with PCOS about their bodies and their options, and to provide those women with realistic hope when it comes to starting and/or growing their families.