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Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) involves 2 of the 3 criteria: high androgen levels (acne or excessive hair growth), irregular periods and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Women with PCOS may have difficulty getting pregnant because they are not ovulating.

One of the symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods. If you don't get a period once a month (21-35 days) you probably aren't ovulating. A good way to check for ovulation is a progesterone blood test which should be done 7 days before your period is due. So for a 28 day cycle progesterone should be checked on day 21.

The level should be >35. If you are not ovulating, don't despair, there are options. A tablet called clomid can be used to help you ovulate. Other options are letrozole or HCG injections. Talk to your GP and get referred to a fertility clinic or IVF unit.

PCOS is linked with overweight and obesity so losing weight through healthy diet and exercise can result in your menstrual cycle reverting to a regular 28 days and improved fertility. This may also reduce the risk of developing diabetes in pregnancy, which is more common in women with PCOS.