September is PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month
Do you have irregular periods, carry extra weight or experience severe acne?
If so, you could be one of the estimated 7 million women in this country with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This condition can affect girls as young as 11 years old and may contribute to infertility issues as well as general health problems. September is PCOS Awareness Month, so Dr. Dan Gehlbach wants to provide important information to our Central Kansas patients about PCOS.
Three Key Points about PCOS
Although PCOS is one of the leading causes of female infertility, many women don’t realize they have this condition. The following facts about PCOS will help you understand what to look for and how to proceed if you receive a PCOS diagnosis.
PCOS is the result of a hormonal imbalance
As part of their reproductive system, all women produce a small amount of androgens, or male hormones. When you have PCOS, these levels are elevated, frequently resulting in anovulation, recurrent breakouts and unwanted hair growth.
You need to take PCOS seriously
Because PCOS also impacts insulin production, women with this condition are at an increased risk for diabetes. Often, women with PCOS struggle face weight gain and/or have difficulty losing weight, which may create overall health problems like high blood pressure, sleep apnea and heart disease.
Our fertility specialist can treat PCOS
Dr. Gehlbach will order blood work and possibly a pelvic sonogram to confirm PCOS. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss are general steps that can help control PCOS. If you are trying to conceive, Dr. Gehlbach may suggest fertility medications combined with intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to boost your odds of conception.
At Midwest Reproductive Center, we want to arm our patients with critical knowledge about PCOS so that they can protect their wellbeing and fertility. If you suspect PCOS, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gehlbach. For more information about PCOS or infertility, visit our web site at www.midwestreproductive.com.
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