“Do I have PCOS?” Dr. Munch can help you find out

Maybe you have a history of irregular periods or struggling with your weight. Or you might be having trouble conceiving. Either way, something has led you to question, “Do I have PCOS?”

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most-common causes of female infertility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this condition affects 6% to 12% of reproductive-age women in the United States. Erika Munch MD has experience identifying and treating the symptoms of PCOS.

As a first step to help you determine whether you may have polycystic ovary syndrome, our team has compiled a list of questions to ask yourself.

“Do I have PCOS?” Questions to ask yourself

Nothing can take the place of an official diagnosis from a doctor. However, these questions about the symptoms of PCOS can help you start exploring the question, “Do I have PCOS?”

• Do you have a family history of PCOS? Having a close relative, including your mother, a sister, an aunt or a grandmother, with this condition can increase your risk of having it.
• Do you have irregular periods? Having less than nine cycles a year or cycles that last longer than 35 days can be signs of PCOS.
• Is your menstrual bleeding heavy? If you have periods or blood clots during your period, it could be a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Are you having trouble conceiving? Women with PCOS don’t ovulate regularly, so conceiving can be more difficult.
• Do you struggle with your weight? PCOS can cause women to be overweight and carry extra weight around their middle.
• Do you have problems with your skin? Both acne and dark patches of skin on your armpits, groin, and neck can be signs of this condition.
• Is abnormal hair growth an issue for you? PCOS can cause both thinning of the head hair and hair growth on the back, chest and face.

If you answered yes to several of these questions, you should schedule an appointment with our San Antonio fertility doctor.

How can Dr. Munch help if you have PCOS?

Our San Antonio fertility doctor can make a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome if you meet two out of the three following criteria.

• You have irregular cycles.
• An ultrasound reveals the presence of multiple ovarian cysts
• You have abnormal levels of a type of hormone called androgens

As a result, Dr. Munch may order bloodwork or an ultrasound to make a PCOS diagnosis for you. If you do have this condition, your treatment plan will vary depending on whether you’re trying to conceive.

• If you don’t want to have a child yet, Dr. Munch will likely prescribe birth control pills. These can help regulate your cycle and improve issues like skin problems. She may also prescribe Metformin if you also have insulin resistance.
• If you want to conceive, there are several fertility treatments that can help. Some women can conceive with help from just fertility medications or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Others will need assistance from a more-advanced option like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Regardless of your unique situation and goals, Dr. Munch is here to help you find relief from the symptoms of PCOS. Contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment.