Many married women suffer from the nightmare of polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder that casts a shadow over their health and their hopes for childbearing. Confusing questions cloud their hearts, and feelings of anxiety and sadness dominate them. Can polycystic ovary syndrome hinder the dream of motherhood?
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome for married women
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a different journey from one woman to another, and while some have clear symptoms that reveal the presence of this disorder, others may not have any symptoms.
But, what are the common symptoms that a married woman with polycystic ovary syndrome may face?
- Irregular or interrupted menstrual cycle.
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back.
- young love.
- Hair thinning and loss.
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
- Skin color changes to become darker in certain areas, especially in the neck, armpits, and groin area.
- Skin tags.
- Fertility problems and difficulty getting pregnant
Read also: Damage from polycystic ovary syndrome
Does pregnancy occur with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Although PCOS may affect ovulation, it does not completely prevent pregnancy.
The chances of getting pregnant with PCOS are higher in younger women, especially before the age of 35.
It is worth noting that pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome face a greater risk of developing some complications during their pregnancy, including:
- Gestational diabetes.
- Preeclampsia and high blood pressure.
- الولادة المبكرة.
- Miscarriage.
- Gigantism.
Regular prenatal care and close follow-up by a health care provider is essential;
Book your consultation now at مركز صحة المرأة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
Methods of treating polycystic ovary syndrome for married women
First: drug treatment
1- Combined birth control pills (estrogen with progesterone)
Protocol:
One tablet daily for 21 days, then 7 days off.
Effect:
- Organizing the course.
- Reduce excess hair and acne.
- Reducing the risk of endometrial hyperplasia.
Side effects:
- Headache, nausea, breast pain.
- Mood changes.
- Slight weight gain or fluid retention.
- It is not used in cases of stroke or liver disease.
4- Progesterone-only pills (such as Duphaston or Provera)
Protocol:
It is taken from days 16 to 25 of the cycle, for 10 days per month.
Effect:
Compensating for progesterone deficiency, thus regulating the menstrual cycle for those who do not ovulate.
Side effects:
- Mood disorders.
- Breast pain
- صداع.
- Sometimes irregular bleeding.
5- Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)
Protocol:
50 – 150 mg daily from the second or third day of the cycle for 5 days.
Effect:
It stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that lead to ovulation (FSH and LH), and it is a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome for married women if they want to become pregnant.
Side effects:
- Bloating, headache, mood swings.
- Slight increase in the risk of multiple pregnancy.
- It is preferable to follow ovulation with an ultrasound to determine the appropriate dose.
6- Letrozole
Protocol:
2.5 – 7.5 mg daily for 5 days from the second or third day of the cycle.
Effect:
It temporarily reduces estrogen production, which stimulates the body to produce FSH and LH to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy.
Side effects:
- Fatigue, dizziness, nausea.
- Rare muscle pain.
- It is considered more effective than Clomid in some cases for PCOS.
7- Injectable hormonal steroids (FSH or HMG)
Protocol:
It is given subcutaneously daily with careful ultrasound follow-up to monitor ovulation.
Effect:
The ovaries are directly stimulated to produce one or more eggs.
Side effects:
- Risk of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS).
- Greater chance of multiple pregnancy (twins).
- There is a need for careful follow-up by the doctor with ultrasound and hormones.
8- Metformin (Glucophage)
Protocol:
It starts with a low dose (500 mg) per day, and gradually increases to 1500-2000 mg per day.
Effect:
- Reduces insulin resistance.
- Improves ovulation and regulates the cycle.
- It is used with medications to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in married women, such as ovulation stimulation medications (Clomid or Letrozole) to improve the response.
Side effects:
- Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain).
- Anorexia.
- Rarely: vitamin B12 deficiency with prolonged use.
- It is best taken with food to reduce symptoms.
9- Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Protocol:
50-100 mg twice daily, often used with birth control pills.
Effect:
It reduces the effect of the male hormone on the skin and follicles, thus reducing excess hair and acne.
Side effects:
- Dizziness, increased urination.
- Menstrual disorders.
- It is prohibited during pregnancy.
Second: surgical treatment
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling
One of the effective ways to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in married women is a simple surgical procedure performed using a laparoscope under general anesthesia. The doctor makes small holes in the ovary (usually 4-10 holes) using an electric current or a laser.
Objective of the operation:
- Reducing ovarian production of male hormones (androgens).
- Restoring normal ovulation in some women.
- Improving the body's response to ovulation stimulation medications later.
When is the procedure used?
- When ovulation medications such as Clomid and letrozole fail.
- In cases of severe resistance to hormonal treatments.
- When the cysts are very visible and the ovary is large.
Duration of operation and recovery:
The operation takes about 30-60 minutes, does not require a long stay in the hospital, recovery takes place within a few days, and you can return to normal activity within a week.
Success rate:
About 50-80% of women return to regular ovulation within 6 months after the operation.
Side effects and possible risks:
- Adhesions around the ovaries or fallopian tubes (rare but may affect engagement).
- Ovarian tissue may be damaged if many punctures are made.
- Temporary abdominal pain after surgery.
- Rare surgical complications such as bleeding or infection.
Learn about: Mild and severe symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
Is it possible for a married woman to get rid of polycystic ovary syndrome through surgery?
In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgical procedures to treat polycystic ovary syndrome for married women, especially if other treatments are unsuccessful.
- Ovarian pits: It is a minor surgical procedure in which the doctor makes small holes in the surface of the ovary.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): It may be an option for affected women who are having difficulty conceiving, to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
My experience with polycystic ovary syndrome treatment for married women
After marriage, I noticed delayed pregnancy and irregular menstruation, in addition to some symptoms such as increased hair and decreased activity.
I first started modifying my lifestyle through a healthy diet and exercise and lost some weight.
After three treatment cycles, my ovulation began to return to normal, and in the fourth month of treatment, the news of my pregnancy was confirmed.
How do I avoid miscarriage due to cysts?
Miscarriage may occur in some cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, especially if the condition is not managed well, but many women with polycystic ovary syndrome successfully complete their pregnancy by following medical guidelines, the most important of which are:
-
Control insulin resistance
Adhere to the metformin medication prescribed by the doctor, because it may help reduce the risk of miscarriage, especially in the first months of pregnancy.
-
Monitor hormone levels
Some cases of cysts cause a lack of progesterone, which is necessary to maintain pregnancy, and you may need progesterone supplements under the supervision of a doctor in the first months.
-
Periodic follow-up with the doctor
Performing an early ultrasound to monitor the fetus’s pulse and growth, and monitor the cervix and fluids surrounding the fetus.
-
Weight and lifestyle control
Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy to reduce stress on the body and reduce pregnancy complications.
-
Do light exercise (if the doctor allows)
Such as walking, to improve blood circulation and reduce insulin resistance.
-
Rest and avoid stress
Constant anxiety and severe physical stress may increase the risk of problems, so be sure to sleep well and reduce psychological stress.
-
Treat any comorbidities
Such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or a thyroid disorder, because neglecting them may increase the risk of miscarriage.
The difference between normal cysts and cysts with poor ovulation (here we will make a table as a comparison)
| the condition | Normal cyst
(Mild PCOS) |
Cysts with poor ovulation
(Anovulatory PCOS) |
| Ovulation | It often occurs naturally or is slightly irregular | Irregular or stops completely |
| menstrual cycle | It may be regular or delayed for a few days | It is often irregular and may be interrupted for months |
| الهرمونات | Mild disturbances in the male hormone or insulin | Obvious hormonal disorders, especially LH and the male hormone |
| Chance of natural pregnancy | List, and sometimes occurs without treatment | Low without treatment, and requires ovulation stimulation |
| Treatment required | Regulating food and exercising may be sufficient | It requires drug intervention to stimulate ovulation along with lifestyle modification |
| Physical symptoms | It may be simple or inconspicuous | It clearly shows: acne, excess hair, delayed menstruation, and poor ovulation |
| Degree of ovarian cyst on ultrasound | Light or medium | The number of small eggs may be very high |
Postpartum tips
After giving birth, it is important to continue managing the symptoms of this syndrome by:
- Breastfeeding for a period of not less than 6 months, as it helps regulate hormones and reduces the risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome after childbirth.
- Continue to take the medications prescribed by your doctor;
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and exercise regularly to maintain your healthy weight and improve insulin levels.
- Support your mental health. You should not neglect your mental health after giving birth, as you may face some emotional challenges.
Living with ovarian cysts can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, especially for married women who may face fertility issues and pregnancy concerns.
The journey to treat polycystic ovary syndrome for a married woman is a journey full of challenges, but it is also a journey full of hope and possibilities. You are not alone in this journey, with us you will find support and information that will help you overcome this stage and achieve your dream of motherhood.
الاسئلة الشائعة :
Is it possible to get pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Yes, pregnancy can occur with an ovarian cyst, especially if the condition is mild or controlled with treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
Do steroids always work?
Steroids work for a large percentage of women with polycystic ovary syndrome, especially if the condition is under close monitoring, with regular blood sugar and insulin levels, and the appropriate type and dose of stimulant is chosen.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome raise the pregnancy hormone?
No, polycystic ovary syndrome does not raise the hCG hormone. HCG is only secreted after pregnancy occurs from the placenta.
Medical sources
