What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder and the most common cause of infertility in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries. These cysts can interfere with normal ovarian function, leading to irregular menstruation, enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts, excessive body hair, and severe acne. The exact cause of PCOS remains unclear, but it may be due to genetics or dysfunctions in several bodily systems such as the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands, or a combination of other factors:

• PCOS caused by hormonal imbalances:
  PCOS may result from excessive insulin levels or elevated male hormones (testosterone). Signs include oily skin, severe acne, male-pattern baldness, or excessive hair growth in areas such as the chest, lower abdomen, arms, and legs. Some women may also have high levels of prolactin, a hormone responsible for stimulating milk production during pregnancy, which can contribute to the development of PCOS.

• PCOS caused by other factors:
  Environmental conditions, ethnicity, and genetics (such as a family history of PCOS) may also play a role.

• • Irregular menstruation: Scanty, heavy, or infrequent periods. Some women may not menstruate for several months. Cycles may be longer than 35 days or occur fewer than 8 times per year.
  • Excessive weight gain: Often presents as abdominal obesity, which contributes to insulin resistance—a key factor in PCOS.
  • Physical changes due to male hormones: Increased body hair, deepened voice, hair thinning or hair loss, and acne.
  • Infertility: Caused by hormonal imbalances that interfere with ovulation.
  • Other symptoms: Darkened skin patches around body folds, such as under the breasts, the back of the neck, or armpits—possible signs of diabetes risk.

• Infertility
• Increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Risk of obesity and fatty liver disease
• Increased chance of developing type 2 diabetes (due to insulin resistance)
• Endometrial abnormalities, such as irregular bleeding or endometrial cancer

• • Weight control and healthy eating: Weight management is the most crucial factor. Losing weight helps normalize hormone levels and makes menstruation more regular.
  • Regular exercise
  • Stress management: Stress can disrupt hormonal balance.
  • Hormonal medications: Take medications as prescribed by your doctor consistently.

Although PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility due to chronic anovulation, pregnancy is still possible with proper treatment and care. The most effective and widely used medical treatment today is assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF/ICSI (In Vitro Fertilization / Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection). The treatment involves balancing hormone levels to regulate menstrual cycles before beginning IVF/ICSI. Ovarian stimulation medications are then used to promote egg release, allowing doctors to manage egg production effectively—even in the event of any irregular responses to the medication.

If you have concerns or questions, feel free to consult Beyond IVF or contact us via LINE at @beyondivf for more information.