Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a group of symptoms that are linked to problems with your period, infertility, changes in appearance, and increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and liver disease. 

Some of the symptoms of PCOS are:

• Irregular periods
• Extra hair on face and body
• Thinning hair on scalp
• Acne
• Fertility problems

Diagnosing PCOS can be challenging as many of the symptoms can overlap with other conditions. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider.

If I plan on getting pregnant, what should I know?

If you are already diagnosed with PCOS, you may have difficulties getting pregnant due to irregular hormone levels (lower levels of luteinizing hormone, estrogen, and follicle stimulating hormone, and higher levels of androgen hormones) and menstrual cycles.

You should consult with your healthcare provider at a preconception visit to discuss strategies to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Some of the strategies your healthcare provider might suggest are:

• Weight loss - weight loss as little as 5-10% of body mass can greatly improve your chances of becoming pregnant.
• Healthy eating
• Exercise
• Monitoring ovulation and closely timing ovulation and intercourse

If you find none of the above strategies work, your healthcare provider may order fertility tests and suggest fertility drugs. Some of these may increase the levels of certain hormones to trigger menstrual cycles and ovulation (release of the egg from the ovary). If fertility treatments do not work, your healthcare provider may consider removing tiny amounts of tissue in the ovaries that may be producing excess androgens (hormones that can stop the ovaries from releasing the egg). 

If none of the above strategies work, your healthcare provider may suggest in vitro fertilization (IVF). You can read more about IVF here.

Fortunately, in combination with healthy lifestyle changes, ovulation monitoring, and/or fertility drugs, many women with PCOS are able to become pregnant. 

Pregnancy with PCOS

If you are pregnant and have PCOS, there are a few things for you to consider and keep in mind:

• Gestational diabetes - You may have a higher chance of developing gestational diabetes. To manage the risk and condition you will need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise. You can read more about gestational diabetes HERE.
• High blood pressure - you may have a higher risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to other more serious conditions such as eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, which you can read more about HERE. 
• Preterm birth - Women with PCOS can have a higher chance of preterm birth (delivery of the baby before 37 weeks of pregnancy).
• Miscarriage - Women with PCOS can have a higher chance of miscarriage.
• Larger than gestational age baby - A larger baby may increase the need for a caesarean delivery. It is important to only gain the recommended amount of weight during pregnancy to mitigate this risk.

Fortunately, many of these potential risks and complications can be reduced by taking extra care and monitoring symptoms carefully.

For resources on managing PCOS:

• PCOS - HealthLink BC
• PCOS - MyHealth Alberta
• Infertility Treatment for Women With PCOS - HealthLink BC
• PCOS Clinic - Women’s College Hospital

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