Medication for polycystic ovary syndrome while trying to conceive

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder that affects women of childbearing age. Symptoms may vary from woman to woman but typically include irregular periods, anovulation (when eggs are not released from the ovaries), excess androgens (male hormones) and polycystic ovaries (many small cysts on the ovaries).

Polycystic ovary syndrome may affect fertility and make it more difficult to conceive. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often find it hard to fall pregnant. Fortunately, treatments are available to help women with polycystic ovary syndrome to conceive.

Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome

The exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome are currently unknown. However, it is assumed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at play. These include:

• Insulin resistance: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may be resistant to insulin. This means that their cells no longer respond to the insulin produced by their pancreas.
• Hormonal imbalances: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have hormonal imbalances affecting their levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
• Genetic factors: Studies have shown that polycystic ovary syndrome can run in families, suggesting that some people may have a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Using medication to treat polycystic ovary syndrome while trying to conceive

The way in which polycystic ovary syndrome is treated depends on the patient’s individual symptoms and the aims of the treatment. Treatment may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medication and in some cases surgical procedures. Medications like clomiphene (Clomifen Ratiopharm) or letrozole (Femara, Letroblock, Letrozol AbZ, Letrozol Ratiopharm) are a common treatment option for women who are trying to conceive. These medications help to stimulate ovulation and may increase a woman’s chances of falling pregnant. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the option of also taking metformin (Glucophage, Metfogamma, Metformin Ratiopharm, Metformin-CT, Siofor XR). If clomiphene or letrozole fail to trigger ovulation, choriogonadotropin (Brevactid, Predalon) or choriogonadotropin alfa (Ovitrelle) may be needed to stimulate the hormones.

Risks of medication for treating polycystic ovary syndrome while trying to conceive

It is important that women with polycystic ovary syndrome who want to try for a baby seek advice on their treatment options. The medication used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in women trying to conceive may have certain risks and cause side effects. This is why medical supervision is important to ensure that the treatment is safe and effective. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who want to fall pregnant should seek advice from an experienced fertility doctor to find the best treatment option for their personal situation.

Find out whether your medication for treating polycystic ovary syndrome is safe while you are trying to conceive

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