Polycystic ovary syndrome affects anywhere between five to 10 percent of women so it’s a relatively common disorder.  It’s mainly a syndrome so it has a number of symptoms associated with it and it’s a clinical diagnosis. Usually women present with a history of irregular periods, symptoms of excess testosterone or blood tests that show that they’re producing excessive male hormones and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.

Infertility and an elevated risk of early miscarriages are frequent issues associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. It is crucial to seek evaluation after attempting to conceive for six to twelve months. Regrettably, home ovulation kits and basal body temperatures are less reliable for women with PCOS. Formal hormonal testing and assessments are necessary for accurate diagnosis..

When it comes to treatment, there are several options to explore. For overweight and obese women, shedding some pounds is crucial. Losing weight can enhance ovulation and potentially eliminate the need for other treatments. Additionally, if you were overweight prior to pregnancy, you are at a higher risk for complications like diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy, so it's vital to prioritize weight loss. a healthy weight loss program.

You may be referred to a fertility clinic by your family physician for further testing and treatment. The treatment options that are available first are medications that you just take for five days and these are medications that basically push the ovary to ovulate and to release the egg.  If those don’t work, then of course there are hormonal, usually medications in the form of injections, that women take to basically override and induce a regular menstrual cycle.  And, of course, lastly there are other options such as in vitro fertilization that can be used.

For women with polycystic ovary syndrome who struggle with infertility, there is a treatment option that involves taking medication to reduce insulin resistance, like metformin. While studies have shown it may not be as effective as other fertility treatments, it can still be beneficial in regulating menstrual cycles and aiding in weight loss. Additionally, it has a success rate of nearly 50% in promoting ovulation. Therefore, it could be a viable option to consider on its own or in conjunction with other treatments. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.  So if you have any difficulty with infertility, it’s important to see your physician and have a discussion in regards to the evaluation and treatment options. 

Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist

Polycystic ovary syndrome heightens the likelihood of insulin resistance in women. Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by our bodies to convert sugars from our diet or that we produce into energy. When the body resists insulin, it compensates by producing more insulin, leading to elevated insulin levels that can adversely affect different tissues, resulting in various complications. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition.    

Increased male hormone production in the ovary can lead to polycystic ovary syndrome and its related symptoms. Additionally, it can cause high blood pressure and negatively impact cholesterol levels, increasing "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides while lowering "good" cholesterol. All of these factors may potentially increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke in the future.

It is essential to consult your physician to discuss and evaluate any potential health concerns, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol irregularities, and other complications like sleep apnea. These issues can cause fatigue and lead to weight gain, but early intervention through changes in diet and exercise, and medication if necessary, can significantly reduce associated risks.. Now Health Network  Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist