polycystic ovaries

[vipanasr]

hi doctor,

my wife is polycystic and we have been trying to have a child for the last 10 months with no success.
she takes glysophage tablets and feels shy to tell me the real problem.
i have very little knowledge about polycystic ovaries.
but now i am quiet tensed about the whole thing.
our gynaechologist says there is nothing to worry about and its just a matter of time.
i got tested for sperm count and it was all fine.
can someone please tell me what is polycystic ovaries and how can we treat it.
also she has irregular periods sometimes.
and is there any way she can get pregnant as soon as possible.

[scuddyslass]

A related discussion, PCOS was started.

[clairebeth]

Hi, just another positive story for you: my husband and I have just conceived after 18 months of trying! I was diagnosed with severe pcos ten years ago. We were supposed to be going to the fertility clinic today, but that's all cancelled now because we did it ourselves! Please believe that it IS possible! I think the trick is to have as much sex as you can. Because it's hard to know when someone with pcos is ovulating, you just have to try and conceive whenever you can, because you never know when the egg will turn up! I also used an app on my phone to track my cycles etc, which I found really helpful. Both my sisters have Pcos, my big sister has two beautiful little girls with the help of clomid, and my little sister has a son and another baby on the way, both conceived naturally! I still can't believe that we did it on our own, but I feel so positive now, I'm sure you'll be able to do it too! Just keep at it!

[tina7697]

I also have PCOS and have not had a period in 2 years because I am so irregular,  Surprise I am 10 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 (granted they will be 15 years apart) but it does happen, have her watch her diet, and dont try just let it happen and pray god does answer prayers and perform miracles

[tina7697]

I also have PCOS and have not had a period in 2 years because I am so irregular,  my husband swore I was pregnant even though I didnt have a period and had no idea I ovulated Surprise I am 10 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 (granted they will be 15 years apart) but it does happen, have her watch her diet, and dont try just let it happen and pray god does answer prayers and perform miracles

[s_k_r]

I was diagnosed with PCOS in March of this year and was started on Glucophage/Metformin 1500mg a night. I am now 9 weeks pregnant with mine and my husbands first baby. Sometimes it does take a while for the Metformin to regulate everything. It is one of the most successful medications in treating PCOS. I hope you guys get your precious baby soon. Good luck.

[notsureaboutthis]

I was diagnosed with pcos in 2001while my first husband and I were trying to have a child. I didn't have my first child untill 2006. It took me a long time to get a diagnosis. I would recommend a high protein low Carb diet to help with the blood sugar issues. And to help her loose weight, if she is over weight. And I took some amazing vitamins from Usana,  I am sure any very high quality vitamin would work. I believe it is just a matter of being as healthy as possible so that your hormones can level them selves out. There are alternative therapies on the internet. I am now pregnant with my fourth child, with no medical intervention. Good luck, it can happen.

[TxMamma]

I would suggest you see a reproductive endocrinologist if not already. Mine is able to treat infertility and my pcos. I'm 5 wks pregnant with baby #2.  I used Femara and Ovidril. The ovidril forces ovulation so you'll know when to have intercourse.

[Oregonhynita]

I have pcos and im 14 weeks. It took me almost 5 years of try and I had to lose 105 pounds to do it. I recommend if your wife is over weight to start eatting healthy and exercising with her. It took me a year or so to lose all that weight. I wish you the best of luck. Also I thought id never get pregnant but once I stopped trying or worrying about when im ovulating etc it happend.

[Alrahbi]

I also have pcos and just today I learned I am expecting. It can happen with women with pcos!!!  I'm shocked because I also was on meds! So relax n have fun!!!

[OMGmommyagain]

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2000. I have a son that was born in 2004 and I'm currently 10 weeks pregnant. Yes, there is hope. Ask your ob/gyn about the surgery to drill holes in the ovaries and starting metformin. It took me about a year after the surgery and 3 months after starting metformin to get pregnant.

[sammie90]

hi i just wanted to let you know that there is light at the end of the tunnel!! i was diagnosed with PCOS in march 2010 and i am now 29 weeks pregnant!! it took us about a year i was lucky however try not to let it worry u both! dr had me keep a diary of every cycle, when i thought i was ovulating and also everytime we had sex! the one month i thought im not doing it and forgot about gettin pregnant and didnt worry i concieved!! good luck to you both and hopefully it wont be much longer till it happens!!

[hannahthompson]

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Female sex hormones include estrogen and progesterone, as well as hormones called androgens. Androgens, often called "male hormones," are also present in women, but in different amounts.Hormones help regulate the normal development of eggs in the ovaries during each menstrual cycle. Polycystic ovary syndrome is related to an imbalance in these female sex hormones. Too much androgen hormone is made, along with changes in other hormone levels.It is not completely understood why or how the changes in the hormone levels occur.Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain eggs. Normally, one or more eggs are released during each menstrual cycle. This is called ovulation. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the eggs in these follicles do not mature and are not released from the ovaries. Instead, they can form very small cysts in the ovary.These changes can contribute to infertility. The other symptoms of this disorder are due to the hormone imbalances.Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s, but polycystic ovary syndrome may also affect teenage girls. The symptoms often begin when a girl's periods start. Women with this disorder often have a mother or sister who has symptoms similar to those of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Symptoms

Changes in the menstrual cycle:

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      Absent periods, usually with a history of having one or more normal menstrual periods during puberty (secondary amenorrhea)
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      Irregular menstrual periods, which may be more or less frequent, and may range from very light to very heavy

Development of male sex characteristics (virilization):

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      Decreased breast size
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      Deepening of the voice
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      Enlargement of the clitoris
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      Increased body hair on the chest, abdomen, and face, as well as around the nipples (called hirsutism)
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      Thinning of the hair on the head, called male-pattern baldness

Other skin changes:

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      Acne that gets worse
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      Dark or thick skin markings and creases around the armpits, groin, neck, and breasts due to insulin sensitivity

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance in which the ovulation  and therefore the menstrual periods are irregular.  Glucophage or Metformin is a very good treatment for some cases which seem to be related to an imbalance in insulin regulation.
Sometimes it works quickly.  In other cases, adding a medication such as Clomid or Femara can be helpful.  These medications can regulate the cycles, increase ovulation and shorten time to conception.  In MOST cases, your doctor is right, it is just a matter of time.  Medications can speed up the process.
Good luck!
Dr B