How to treat PCOS in order to become pregnant

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. Thank you for reaching out to our community with your concern about your older sister.

Is she currently seeing a gynecologist?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid, which are called follicles, located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam.

Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The first step in treatment is to regulate the woman's menstrual cycle. Her gynecologist may recommend a combination hormone birth control pill. As an alternative to birth control pills, she might use a skin patch or vaginal ring that contains a combination of estrogen and progestin. During the time of taking this medication to relieve symptoms,she won't be able to conceive.

Because she wants to become pregnant, the next step is to help her ovulate.

She may need a medication to help Her ovulate. Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) is an oral anti-estrogen medication that is taken in the first part of menstrual cycle. If clomiphene alone isn't effective, her gynecologist may add metformin to help induce ovulation.

If unsuccessful, her doctor may recommend using gonadotropins, which are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) medications that are administered by injection. Another medication is letrozole (Femara). Doctors don't know exactly how letrozole works to stimulate the ovaries, but it may help with ovulation when other medications fail.

When taking any type of medication to help you ovulate, it's important to work with a reproductive specialist and have regular ultrasounds to monitor progress and avoid problems.

Hope this information is helpful to you.

Regards,
Maryann