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Diagnosing PCOS

Accurately diagnosing PCOS can improve quality of life and fertility

At Tulsa Fertility Center, we provide comprehensive treatment for female infertility. A common problem for women of childbearing years is PCOS, a hormone disorder that can make getting pregnant difficult. By diagnosing PCOS and offering advanced treatments, our Tulsa fertility doctors can assist patients with their lifestyle and family-planning goals.

Commons signs of PCOS

Also referred to as polycystic ovary syndrome, PCOS creates an imbalance in reproductive hormones. With PCOS, women tend to have an increase in androgens, or male hormones, often resulting in issues with weight, skin and menstrual cycles. Patients with this condition either ovulate infrequently or stop ovulating completely, which can lead to female infertility problems.

Typically, our fertility specialists diagnose PCOS when women are in their 20s and 30s. In fact, PCOS is one of the most frequent causes of female infertility. Women with PCOS may experience the following symptoms, although some patients have no symptoms at all.

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Unusual weight gain
  • Abnormal hair growth
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Ovarian cysts

Steps for diagnosing PCOS

Diagnosing PCOS involves multiple tests. To confirm PCOS, our Tulsa fertility doctors will ask for a complete medical and family history. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and blood tests. This thorough assessment may include several aspects.

  • A review of blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), weight and waist size
  • A pelvic ultrasound to measure the sizes of the ovaries and see if there are any ovarian cysts
  • Blood work to check the levels of hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and testosterone

Once we receive the results, your physician may also order additional testing, such as a lipid panel to measure cholesterol and a glucose test to look for diabetes.

Exploring PCOS treatment options

How we treat PCOS depends on the patient’s health goals. General lifestyle modifications, such as eating a low-carb diet and exercising regularly, can lower BMI and possibly facilitate more frequent periods. For younger patients, or those not trying to conceive, birth control pills can regulate monthly cycles.

When our patients want to get pregnant, we may recommend fertility medications, such as clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and letrozole (Femara), or trusted fertility therapies such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF.

Diagnosing PCOS and providing accurate treatment can change your life. Our team will partner with you to ensure you have a complete understanding of the diagnosis and a review of potential next steps. If you think you may have PCOS, contact our office to make an appointment with one of our Tulsa fertility doctors.