What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for polycystic ovary syndrome – also referred to as PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) – and is the most common hormonal disorder in women of childbearing age. Approximately 5–10% of all women are affected, many without knowing it.
The term “polycystic” is misleading: the “cysts” visible on ultrasound are not pathological changes, but immature follicles. Due to the hormonal disorder, these often do not mature completely. The result can be cycle irregularities, absent or irregular ovulation, and unfulfilled desire for children. Also typical is an elevation of male hormones (androgens) in the blood, which is often accompanied by acne, hair loss, and increased body hair.
For whom does PCOS evaluation make sense?
Evaluation is particularly recommended:
- after discontinuing the pill when menstruation does not return
- in cases of unfulfilled desire for children
- with known hormonal abnormalities
- with abnormal blood values or insulin resistance
- when a hormonal cause of cycle irregularities is suspected
Diagnosis of PCOS in Munich
At our private center in Munich, Die Kinderwunschärztin, the diagnosis of PCOS is carried out in a structured manner and individually tailored to your cycle.
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Initial consultation & medical history
In a personal consultation, we record your cycle pattern, bleeding pattern, accompanying symptoms, and any existing or planned desire for children. The goal is to understand your symptoms in their overall context and to plan the diagnostics in a targeted manner.
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Hormone testing
Depending on the cycle phase, we perform targeted blood tests. We analyze the hormones relevant to egg maturation, male hormones (androgens), and selected metabolic parameters.
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Ultrasound of the ovaries
Using a vaginal ultrasound, we assess the ovaries as well as the number and arrangement of the follicles. A typical finding in PCOS is many small follicles, often arranged in a string-of-pearls pattern. If necessary, we supplement the examination with a 3D ultrasound to visualize the anatomical structures even more precisely.
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Metabolic evaluation
Since PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, we check blood sugar levels, possible precursors of diabetes, and lipid metabolism. These results are an important basis for further treatment planning.
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Medical assessment & treatment plan
All findings are compiled and medically assessed. On this basis, we discuss with you what form of PCOS is present and which treatment makes sense in your individual situation.
Medical assessment of PCOS and desire for children
You would like to become pregnant with PCOS? Unfulfilled desire for children in this context is often due to cycle irregularities and absent or irregular egg maturation.
The cause is usually a hormonal imbalance. Put simply, the coordination of the hormones responsible for egg maturation is disrupted. As a result, the follicles often do not mature completely and ovulation does not occur.
In addition, many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. It can further influence hormonal balance and intensify cycle irregularities.
Treatment options for PCOS
Since many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, medication treatment, e.g., with metformin, can improve metabolism and stabilize hormonal balance. This can normalize the cycle. In some cases, this already leads to regular ovulation.
If optimizing metabolism is not sufficient, hormonal stimulation is performed to stimulate follicle growth and trigger ovulation. Medications used include clomiphene and letrozole. Letrozole is often preferred today because it is effective in many cases and well tolerated.
If necessary, insemination can be performed, in which the sperm are placed directly into the uterus. If pregnancy does not occur by this route, treatment by means of IVF or ICSI can be considered. Which method makes sense depends on the individual starting situation.
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Many Years of Experience
Our PCOS specialist, Dott. Mag. Sara Complojmit, has many years of experience in the field of hormonal disorders and the treatment of PCOS.
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Interdisciplinary collaboration
We complement our gynecological expertise through collaboration with specialists in internal medicine endocrinology, dermatology, as well as through services in nutritional counseling and psychotherapy. This allows us to provide you with comprehensive and individualized care.
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Comprehensive support
We accompany you from diagnosis through treatment of PCOS to further planning of your desire for children.
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In-house hormone laboratory
Thanks to our in-house laboratory, important hormone values are available quickly, so that decisions can be made promptly and treatment can be adjusted in a targeted manner.
What Our Patients Say
Frequently asked questions about PCOS
Is PCOS curable?
A complete cure for PCOS is currently not possible. In many cases, however, the symptoms can be treated effectively, so that cycle, skin appearance, and metabolism can improve significantly.
Can I get pregnant with PCOS?
Many women become pregnant with PCOS. What is decisive is whether regular ovulation occurs and how pronounced hormonal and metabolic changes are. With appropriate treatment, the conditions can be significantly improved in many cases.
Why is insulin resistance so important in PCOS?
Insulin resistance can increase the production of male hormones and thus intensify cycle irregularities. Targeted treatment – for example, through lifestyle adjustments or, in certain cases, with metformin – can therefore play an important role.
Letrozole or clomiphene – which treatment makes sense?
Letrozole and clomiphene are medications for triggering ovulation. Today, letrozole is often preferred because it is more effective in many cases and is often better tolerated. Which treatment makes sense in an individual case, however, depends on your individual situation.
Do I have to lose weight to get pregnant despite PCOS?
Not necessarily. If overweight is present, even moderate weight reduction can significantly improve the likelihood of ovulation and pregnancy.
