Dr. Munch is providing education and hope for PCOS Awareness Month

If you’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you are far from alone. You might be surprised to learn that 1 out of 10 women of childbearing age has this condition. During PCOS Awareness Month, our San Antonio fertility doctor, Erika Munch MD, strives to help women learn more about the diagnosis, management and treatment of PCOS.

Exploring PCOS facts during PCOS Awareness Month

We know that polycystic ovary syndrome is more common than most people realize. However, our San Antonio fertility doctor has some other important PCOS facts to share in honor of PCOS Awareness Month.

• Infertility and PCOS – PCOS is one of the most common and treatable causes of female infertility. It causes a hormonal imbalance that interferes with the growth and release of eggs from the ovaries. However, medications and treatments like IVF can help.
• Other symptoms of PCOS – In addition to infertility, PCOS can also cause irregular periods, acne, weight gain, thinning hair on the head, and excessive hair growth on the face or body.
• Diagnosing PCOS – A doctor may diagnose PCOS if you have two of the following symptoms, including irregular periods, elevated levels of androgens (a specific hormone) and multiple cysts on one or both ovaries.
• Risk factors – Women of all races and ethnicities can have PCOS. However, you are more likely to have the condition if you are overweight or have a mother, aunt or sister with PCOS.
• Related health problems – In addition to infertility, there may be a link between PCOS and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, obesity and endometrial cancer. Working with a doctor and living a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing these problems.

Tips for managing the symptoms of PCOS

Many women find that losing just 10% of their body weight through a balanced diet and exercise improves their symptoms. Other women may need to take birth control pills or Metformin to manage their symptoms.

When you want to conceive, our San Antonio fertility doctor can discuss your treatment options, which may include fertility medications, intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF. Dr. Munch will review your medical history and perform diagnostic testing to determine which treatment protocol will be the most likely to help you welcome a baby.

Contact us to learn more about how our San Antonio fertility doctor diagnoses and treats polycystic ovary syndrome. There’s no better time to schedule an appointment than during PCOS Awareness Month.