Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

One specific cause of infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome. This is a syndrome where the woman’s hormones are abnormal, leading to anovulation, and as a result, irregular or absent menstrual periods. This syndrome has also been associated with excessive hair growth or acne. Women with PCOS, as popularly abbreviated, have a production of excess male sex hormone called androgen. Some also have insulin insufficiency, causing them to be overweight. The treatment is simple- hormonal manipulation with or without sugar control drugs. If the woman is interested in pregnancy, ovulation medications are also necessary. Otherwise, birth control pills will maintain the patient’s correct hormonal levels and have the added benefit of decreasing the incidence of future uterine or breast cancer.