Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly called PCOS, is a hormonal condition that can affect menstruation, ovulation, skin, hair, metabolism, and fertility.

The symptoms vary widely. Some women have several noticeable concerns, while others do not recognize the pattern until they begin trying to conceive.

Irregular or Missing Periods

PCOS commonly affects ovulation. Periods may occur less frequently, become unpredictable, or stop for several months.

Some women with PCOS also experience episodes of heavy bleeding. When the uterine lining builds up for an extended time, the eventual period may be longer or heavier than expected.

Going months without a period should be discussed with your OB-GYN, even when pregnancy is not currently a goal.

Skin and Hair Changes

Higher androgen activity may contribute to:

• Persistent acne
• Facial or body hair growth
• Thinning hair on the scalp
• Oily skin
• Darkened skin in body creases
• Skin tags

These changes are sometimes treated separately without recognizing the underlying hormonal pattern.

Weight and Metabolic Concerns

PCOS can occur at any body size. Some patients experience weight gain or difficulty losing weight, while others do not.

PCOS may also be associated with insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Treatment should focus on overall health rather than blame or overly simplistic advice.

PCOS affects an estimated 10 to 13 percent of reproductive-aged women worldwide, and many cases remain undiagnosed.

How PCOS Affects Fertility

PCOS is a common cause of irregular ovulation. When ovulation does not occur consistently, it can be harder to predict fertile days and become pregnant.

However, a PCOS diagnosis does not mean that pregnancy is impossible. Treatment options may include:

• Ovulation-supporting medication
• Metabolic health management
• Thyroid or prolactin evaluation
• Cycle tracking
• Treatment of other fertility factors
• Referral for advanced fertility care when needed

A fertility evaluation should also consider uterine, tubal, and sperm-related factors.

How Is PCOS Diagnosed?

There is no single test that diagnoses every case. Your evaluation may include:

• Menstrual history
• Symptoms of elevated androgens
• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Metabolic screening

Other causes of irregular periods or androgen symptoms may need to be ruled out.

The FDA and NIH identify irregular cycles, infertility, excess hair growth, acne, scalp hair thinning, and weight-related concerns among possible PCOS symptoms.

When to Schedule an Appointment

Talk with your provider if you regularly skip periods, experience persistent acne or unwanted hair growth, have unusually heavy bleeding, or are having difficulty conceiving.

Women’s Health and Menopause Center provides individualized gynecologic care for menstrual and hormonal concerns.

Request an appointment with our West Bloomfield women’s health team.

The post PCOS Symptoms Women Often Overlook and How PCOS Can Affect Fertility appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Can You Still Get Pregnant During Perimenopause?

Perimenopause can make menstrual cycles unpredictable, but an irregular period does not necessarily mean that ovulation has stopped. Pregnancy is still possible until menopause is reached.

This distinction is important whether you want to become pregnant or want to avoid pregnancy.

Why Pregnancy Can Still Occur

During perimenopause, the ovaries may release eggs less consistently. You might skip one or more periods and then ovulate during a later cycle.

Because ovulation may happen before your next period, it can be difficult to know when fertility has returned. Cycle-tracking applications and ovulation kits may also become less reliable when cycles are irregular.

If your period is late or you have symptoms that could indicate pregnancy, take a pregnancy test and contact your provider when needed.

When Is Menopause Reached?

Natural menopause is generally identified after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period when no other medical explanation is present. Until that point, pregnancy may remain possible.

Women who are using hormonal birth control may not be able to use bleeding patterns alone to determine whether menopause has occurred. Your OB-GYN can help you decide how long contraception should continue.

Contraception During Perimenopause

Birth control needs do not disappear simply because periods become irregular. Available options may include:

• Birth control pills
• Progestin-only pills
• Hormonal or nonhormonal IUDs
• Implants
• Barrier methods
• Permanent contraception

Some hormonal methods may also help with heavy bleeding, cramping, or other perimenopause symptoms. The safest choice depends on your blood pressure, smoking history, migraine history, cancer risks, cardiovascular health, and personal preferences.

Schedule a consultation through our gynecology department to discuss contraception that fits your stage of life.

Trying to Conceive During Perimenopause

Fertility declines with age because both egg number and egg quality change over time. That does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it does mean that early guidance can be valuable.

Women older than 35 are generally advised to seek a fertility evaluation after six months of regular intercourse without pregnancy. Evaluation may be recommended sooner for women older than 40 or for anyone with irregular ovulation, endometriosis, previous pelvic surgery, or other known concerns.

Pregnancy and Health Planning

Pregnancy at a later reproductive age may involve additional prenatal screening and monitoring. A preconception visit can help you:

• Review medications and supplements
• Begin an appropriate prenatal vitamin
• Discuss chronic health conditions
• Update vaccines
• Review genetic screening choices
• Address blood pressure, diabetes, or thyroid concerns

Perimenopause can involve changes in fertility, contraception needs, and hormone-related symptoms at the same time. A personalized conversation can help you make informed decisions without relying on assumptions based only on age or cycle changes.

Learn more about perimenopause and menopause or request an appointment at Women’s Health and Menopause Center.

The post Can You Still Get Pregnant During Perimenopause? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

Timing is important when trying to become pregnant. While there is a common process involved, it can vary from one woman to the next. That’s why it is essential to understand what’s happening and when it occurs in order to time reproduction. How do you know when you are most fertile while trying to get pregnant?

Are You Ovulating Yet?

Peak fertility is based on when you ovulate. This is when the egg leaves the ovaries and moves through the fallopian tubes, where it is ready to be impregnated by sperm. Ovulation usually happens around halfway through your cycle. If your cycle lasts for 28 days, then ovulation will occur around the 14^th day. It usually lasts between 12 and 24 hours.

When Should I Try to Become Pregnant?

Your most fertile days are going to be those right before, during, or right after ovulation. You may still get pregnant outside of this time frame, but it is your best opportunity. You can also look for signs and indications that ovulation is occurring.

• Track Your Cycle with a Calendar – Start tracking your cycle with a calendar. This will allow you to identify your typical cycle length and show any patterns that might help. You can also record this information and share it with your doctor.
• Monitor Changes in Your Body – Your body changes as you go through your menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce estrogen which leads to the release of the egg. Your body temperature will rise during this time. You will also notice an increase in a sticky fluid called cervical mucus.
• Ovulation Pain – Some women describe a twinge of pain that is felt in their side when ovulation happens. It’s important to note that if you notice this pain, it means you are nearing the end of your peak fertility window for that cycle.

Whether you have been trying to become pregnant or are only thinking about it, you should schedule an appointment with your obstetrician. We can help you learn more about the process and what to do to increase your chances of fertilization. Contact Women’s Health West Bloomfield offices today to schedule your consultation.

The post Getting Pregnant: When Am I Most Fertile? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.

It is helpful to know when you ovulate if you plan to become pregnant. Ovulation occurs when the ovum, or egg, is released during menstruation. It travels through the fallopian tube where it can come in contact with sperm for fertilization.

Ovulation with a Regular Period

Women with regular period cycles will have an easier time knowing when ovulation occurs. First, you should determine the length of your cycle. The first day you notice regular bleeding is day one. This is counted until the day before you started bleeding again (when your next period begins). There may be some variation, but this will give you a good idea about what’s happening in your body.

Ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next period. So if you have a 28-day cycle, then ovulation will happen around the 14^th day. Your most fertile period is a couple of days before ovulation. A woman with a 28-day cycle should try to conceive on days 12 through 14.

Ovulation with an Irregular Period

Having an irregular period doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. It does mean that the process may be more challenging. You should begin by talking to an OB/GYN to determine the cause of your irregular periods. There may be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed before you attempt to get pregnant.

If you are healthy and have irregular periods, then there are some methods you can use to conceive. You can chart your cycle to look for patterns. This data may also be helpful if you have to go to a fertility specialist later.

You can also take your basal body temperature. A spike in temperature can indicate that ovulation is occurring. Another option is to look for cervical mucus changes. Cervical mucus is dryer early in your cycle but increases as you near ovulation. This material is clear and very slippery in texture. Some women compare it to the consistency of an egg white.

Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield today for a prenatal visit.

The post When Do I Ovulate? appeared first on Women's Health and Menopause Center.