Dear DOLLY, I’m 17 and just found out that i have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). My doctor put me on the pill, I started it and three weeks later I still have my periods. What's causing this? What are the chances of me being able to have kids with this PCOS? Danni
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition that affects the hormones that the ovaries produce, that control the menstrual cycle and ovulation. This can lead to a hormone imbalance that might cause irregular periods, excessive facial or body hair, acne, or difficulty controlling weight. PCOS can also be associated with hormone imbalances elsewhere in the body, such as problems with insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar.
The Pill is often used as part of the treatment. This helps protect the uterus by keeping its lining regulated (shedding the lining each month with the pill) - otherwise women with PCOS tend to get a build up of tissue inside the uterus that can be potentially cancerous.
Women with PCOS can still have kids - whether this is difficult or not depends on the degree of the hormone imbalance and therefore the regularity of ovulation. There are also safe fertility drugs that can be used to help women ovulate if they are trying to fall pregnant.
One of the best ways to help PCOS is to look at your weight, diet and exercise patterns. If any of these are issues, then working on them can improve the problems associated with PCOS dramatically. Make sure you ask your doctor all the questions you need over time - it might mean you need regular visits for a while, but it's important that you feel that you understand what's going on and that your doctor understands your concerns.
