SERVICES AND CONDITIONS
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is common among women during their child-bearing years. Hormonal imbalance and problems with metabolism are symptoms of PCOS. A more serious implication of the disorder is infertility in women. Because of a fluctuation in hormones, your ovaries become affected and cannot release eggs. Your periods also occur irregularly and you might skip a few months without getting your periods. This could gives rise to infertility. Besides inconsistent periods, your hair may begin to thin, acne will develop on certain parts of the skin, and you may develop hair on the chin or chest.
It can be incredibly frustrating not to know why you are developing hair in areas where commonly associate with men and not being able to comprehend the reason for your infertility. Dr Hartell will help you understand these symptoms and come to terms with the disorder.
WHY DO YOU GET PCOS?
Hormonal changes are responsible for PCOS symptoms. Androgen is a hormone that occurs predominantly in males and causes many of the symptoms such as male pattern baldness, acne and excessive hair growth. Women living with PCOS also tend to build up a resistance to insulin, a hormone that regulates the amount of energy expenditure from food. It is easy for insulin levels to rise, which can then cause diabetes type 2.
CAN YOU STILL GET PREGNANT?
Although PCOS can interfere with your chances of a potential pregnancy, there is still a chance you can conceive. PCOS does impact the release and development of eggs, and failure to ovulate affects your chance of pregnancy.
Monitoring ovulation cycles will help increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant. Dr Hartell helps you understand your body better and maps menstrual cycles, deciding on days when you are most fertile.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT INVOLVE?
Birth control pills containing progestin and oestrogen limit the production of androgen and encourage more oestrogen in the body. Contraceptives come in the form of the pill, vaginal ring, patch and intrauterine device. These are only required should you not desire or plan a pregnancy.
Suppose you are still trying to get pregnant, in that case, Dr Hartell will discuss treatment options, including ovulation medication, or sometimes, a type of surgery known as ovarian drilling where a few punctures are made on the ovary using laparoscopic instruments.
