Also called Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common disorder that affects one in every ten women of reproductive age. The disorder is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, and most women who have it do not even realize that they do. Dr. James Douglas is an expert in diagnosing and treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) at his Plano and Frisco practice that serves Dallas, McKinney, and Allen. His advanced treatments are effective at regulating the menstrual cycle, hormones, insulin production, and fertility of women so that they are able to realize their parenting goals.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal imbalance disorder in which the ovaries have multiple small cysts. Women with PCOS produce high amounts of male hormones called androgens, which results in the interference of egg maturation and regular ovulation.
Although polycystic ovarian syndrome was first identified more than seven decades ago, the cause of the condition is not yet known. Some scientists believe that the cause may come from increased insulin production in the body, which signals the release of excess male hormones. Other scientists believe the PCOS simply runs in the family. Whatever the case, if not treated early, polycystic ovarian syndrome can lead to infertility later down the road. In fact, PCOS is one of the most common causes of female factor infertility in the nation. PCOS also can also cause obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, acne, excessive hair growth, and other conditions.
There currently is no cure for polycystic ovarian syndrome; however, several treatments are offered at our Plano practice near Dallas to help treat and manage the condition, such as ovulation induction, the use of birth control pills, and other special medications such as Metformin® to regulate the production of androgens and insulin in the body. These treatments help to stimulate the reproductive system as well as regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle.
Birth control pills are the most common form of treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome at our Plano and Frisco practice near Dallas. Oral contraception helps to correct hormonal balances, which in turn helps to regulate the menstrual cycles of women with PCOS. Birth control pills also improve the appearance of acne and excessive hair growth. In addition, oral contraception also helps lower the risk of developing endometrial cancer, which is usually high for women who do not ovulate regularly.
Women who are looking for female factor infertility treatment as well as treatment for PCOS can be prescribed hormone therapy and ovulation induction medications. Because the primary concern with PCOS is lack of ovulation which can lead to infertility, our practice can prescribe various fertility medications and hormone treatments to help induce the ovulation process (ovulation induction). Fertility medications are very effective at helping women with PCOS conceive; however, women should know these medications increase the risk of a multiple pregnancy. In vitro fertilization treatment can be used if ovulation induction has failed.
Another form of polycystic ovarian syndrome treatment offered at our Plano practice uses a diabetes medication. Metformin® helps to regulate the production of insulin and male hormones in the body. In some women, ovulation can return within a few months of taking Metformin®, thereby helping to restore fertility. Those taking Metformin® must be carefully screened and monitored throughout treatment. Learn more about Metformin® treatment by contacting Dr. Douglas.
Contact Dr. James Douglas to learn more about polycystic ovarian syndrome and the treatments available at our Plano and Frisco practice, also serving Dallas, Allen, and McKinney.
Please fill out the form below to learn more about treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in the Dallas, Plano, and McKinney areas.
James W. Douglas, M.D.
4001 West 15th Street, Suite
425
Plano, Texas 75093
Phone: (972) 612-2500