Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Causes Infertility

Summary

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DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am 26, have no children and have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. I think it started with my first period, because I was always irregular. A specialist found cysts on my ovaries and gave me birth-control pills, and they gave me regular periods. Is there a possibility that this is self- correcting? I am depressed about never being able to have children. Could I become pregnant without taking fertility drugs? - C.H.

ANSWER: Somewhere between 3 percent and 6 percent of women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. An increased level of male hormone and a decreased number or absence of menstrual periods are its trademark signs. An array of other symptoms and signs are also found in some women with it. Facial and chest hair are frequent signs. So is acne. Obesity is present in about 40 percent of affected women. Large ovaries studded with cysts are another common finding. Infertility is usual. A recent addition to the list of signs and symptoms is a poor response to insulin, with disturbance of blood sugar. Your observation of its early start is valid. It often makes itself known right from the first menstrual period.

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Extract

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Causes Infertility

The diagnosis is confirmed in many ways. Affected women have an elevation of male hormone ...

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