Information on Ovarian Dysfunction
There are a number of different ovarian dysfunctions that can affect a woman's fertility. In the information that follows, we examine some of the different kinds of ovarian dysfunctions that women experience.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome that affects about 8-10 percent of reproductive aged women. It can have a wide variety of presentations, but most commonly women with PCOS suffer from irregular periods, increased facial or body hair, acne, and infertility. Many women with PCOS are also overweight and the excess weight can add to the symptoms of PCOS.
For the long run it is very important for women with PCOS to be regularly checked for diabetes and high cholesterol as they are more prone to developing these issues. Also, due to the risk of the lining of the uterus growing too thick, women with PCOS who are not having periods or have very irregular periods should be on birth control pills or other medication to induce a period at least once every three months. Those women trying to conceive may benefit from simple treatments such as the oral medication clomiphene citrate. Those women who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or borderline diabetes may benefit from the medication glucophage (metformin).
All of our doctors are board certified reproductive endocrinologists and are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. We can see patients with PCOS both at our Bedford location (close to Dallas, Fort Worth, and DFW airport) and our Frisco location (close to Plano, Allen, McKinney, Lewisville, Denton, and Dallas).
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
Premature ovarian failure (POF) is diagnosed when a woman under the age of 40 starts having no periods or infrequent periods along with a significant increase in the FSH hormone produced by the brain, suggesting failure of the normal function of the ovaries. POF is though to affect about 1-5 percent of women. Sometimes the cause is genetic, other times it may be viral, autoimmune, prior pelvic surgery, or often unexplained. Early recognition and prompt initiation of treatment are important if fertility is an immediate consideration. There are various treatment options available based on the severity of the case in an individual patient. Our board certified reproductive endocrinologists are well versed in the diagnosis and treatment of women suffering from premature ovarian failure. In some cases the woman may be able to successfully achieve a pregnancy with her own eggs, while others may need to undergo egg donation. We see patients with POF in both our Bedford and Frisco locations. Our Bedford and Frisco offices can be conveniently accessed by patients in the greater Dallas and Forth Worth area, including Denton, Lewisville, Carrollton, Irving, Las Colinas, Richardson Plano, McKinney, and Allen.
Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR)
As a woman ages, both the quantity and quality of eggs in the ovaries declines over time. Women are born with a finite set of eggs which grow and perish in waves. The eggs are always going through phases of growth and death irrespective of the regularity of menstrual cycle. In some women the process of loss of eggs may be accelerated, or perhaps they were endowed with a smaller number of eggs at birth. Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to decrease in the number of eggs in the ovaries. This can be assessed by the appearance of number of small follicles on the ovaries early in the menstrual cycle, by measurement of the ovarian volume, hormone tests such as Day 3 FSH and estradiol or serum AMH (antimullerian hormone). Several of these factors put together help make the diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve. Once diagnosed, DOR warrants prompt attention and institution of treatment for infertility since the condition worsens over time. DOR combined with advanced reproductive age often yields a poor prognosis for successful pregnancy. Our doctors in Bedford (close to DFW airport, Fort Worth, Dallas, Irving, and Las Colinas) and in Frisco (close to Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, and Denton) have expertise to help.
Oligomenorrhea
Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent periods. If a woman has less than 9 periods a year or greater than 35 days in between periods, she is considered to have oligomenorrhea. Sometimes this can be caused by imbalances in hormones such as thyroid and prolactin; sometimes it is due to PCOS, POF or DOR. Obesity and high insulin levels can also cause menstrual irregularity. Sometimes to direct cause is found. Depending on the age of the patient, cause of the oligomenorrhea and other factors pertaining to fertility, there are many possible treatment options ranging form the oral medication clomid to daily hormone treatments to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or egg donation if pertinent.
Our reproductive endocrinologists at the Center for Assisted Reproduction can help diagnose and guide you toward the appropriate treatment modality. We have two easily accessible locations for your benefits one in Bedford which is easily accessed by patients in both Dallas and Fort Worth, the other in Frisco which is easily accessible from Plano, Richardson, McKinney, Allen, Lewisville, Denton, and surrounding areas.