September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month! PCOS is a hormonal, reproductive disorder that affects 1 in 10 million women of childbearing age. But half of women do not even know they have it. They may suffer with the classic symptoms- weight gain, acne, irregular or non-existent periods, excessive hair growth in unwanted places, and infertility- without realizing they have the condition. There are some other subtle symptoms, including weight gain in the abdomen, a waist of more than 35 inches, and even a dark ring around the neck or in creases from the skin from insulin resistance. Yet, some women may experience no symptoms at all!

The exact cause is multi-factorial with various environmental and hereditary factors fostering its development. However, we know that a disorder of the androgen hormones is present in women with PCOS.

There is no one test for PCOS. However, a fertility specialist can diagnose PCOS based on your gynecological history, an ultrasound to count the baseline number of follicles on your ovaries, and a blood test to check your hormones, including AMH, thyroid and pituitary function. Egg-Q measures AMH levels and we have had a large number of patients find out they have PCOS by taking our test. While Egg-Q normally checks for women who have abnormally low levels of AMH, discovering high levels of AMH is a red flag, and usually indicates PCOS.

While there is no cure for PCOS, it can be treated.

Weight loss with a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise can have a positive effect on the endocrine system, particularly in cases when a woman is overweight or obese.
Birth control pills can be prescribed to correct the hormone imbalance and lower the testosterone, generally improving acne and unwanted hair and regulating your period.
Additionally, Metformin, a medication that helps regulate blood sugar is sometimes prescribed in conjunction with birth control pills or on its own for women who are diabetic or pre-diabetic.

If you are planning a family, there is good news! Women with PCOS tend to have a higher ovarian reserve, which means you may have a longer reproductive life and reach menopause later in life. Also, if you were to undergo IVF treatment, you may have a larger number of eggs harvested. Many women worry about their fertility potential because of a PCOS diagnosis. However, if you are not ovulating regularly due to PCOS and are not overweight, most of the time a healthy pregnancy can be achieved easily and inexpensively with an oral ovulation induction medication.

Dr. Sinem Karipcin contributed to this blog. Dr. Karipcin is a Board certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, practicing at Conceptions Florida in Miami.