Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect your fertility and raise your risk of endometrial cancer. Our team at MU Health Care can help you understand your treatment options and reduce your risks.

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is caused by a hormonal imbalance that affects how your ovaries release eggs, a process called ovulation. This can disrupt your menstrual cycle, causing irregular periods.

You may also develop cysts on your ovaries if you have PCOS. But not everyone with PCOS develops cysts. 

PCOS can make it difficult for you to become pregnant. Our women’s health team offers the latest fertility treatments, so you have the best possible chance of getting pregnant. MU Health Care experts can also help you manage other problems related to PCOS, such as weight gain.

PCOS Symptoms

Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause a wide range of symptoms, including: 

  • Skipped, very light or no periods
  • Inability to become pregnant (infertility)
  • Increased body or facial hair
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Hair loss
  • Dark skin patches in the armpits or on the neck or chest 

If you have had previous blood tests that show increased testosterone, this could also be a sign of PCOS.

When to Seek Care for PCOS

If you think you might have PCOS, talk to your OB/GYN. Besides affecting your fertility, PCOS raises your risk of endometrial cancer. That’s because you have high estrogen levels and fewer periods, so the lining of your uterus thickens more than usual.

How We Diagnose PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome can be difficult to diagnose. Our team at MU Health Care can help you find answers to your irregular periods. We can also help you determine if your ovaries are releasing eggs if you want to become pregnant.

We’ll start by asking you questions to learn about your health history. Then, we will examine you and perform a pelvic exam. Our team may also recommend one or more of the following to understand your ovulation patterns.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking

You will take and write down your temperature as soon as you wake up every morning. That’s because about two days after ovulation, women experience an increase in BBT of about .5 degrees Fahrenheit. If your BBT does not increase between your periods, it could mean you did not ovulate.

Urine Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test

You will test your urine in the middle of your cycle using a simple ovulation predictor kit. A color change usually means your LH has risen, followed by ovulation 24 to 40 hours later.

Transvaginal Ultrasound

An ultrasound technician will perform a transvaginal (inside the vagina) ultrasound in the middle of your cycle, before ovulation typically occurs. This imaging test is used to locate a dominant follicle (ovarian cyst with an egg inside). Our team can also measure the lining in your uterus to better understand your cycle.

Progesterone Level Test

Progesterone is a hormone that increases significantly in women after ovulation. We may recommend this simple blood test about one week after the middle of your cycle.

Ovarian Reserve Tests

If we think you may have PCOS, we may also recommend checking your ovarian reserve. This means the ability of the eggs in your ovaries to produce a successful pregnancy.

  • Basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol: A single blood test taken between days two and four of your menstrual cycle.
  • Basal antral follicle (BAF) count: This transvaginal ultrasound test counts the number of small follicles, cysts with egg inside, in your ovaries.

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