Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS affects 5-10% of all women and is the leading cause of female infertility. PCOS is characterized by excessive production of hormones called androgens. Androgens are a group of hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. The ovaries normally produce small amounts of androgens, but when production of these hormones is excessive PCOS results. Women with PCOS experience a cluster of symptoms, including ovarian cysts, delayed or irregular menstruation, acne, obesity, insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels, excessive hair growth on face, and/or male-pattern hair loss.

PCOS often results in long and/or irregular menstrual cycles, which makes it difficult for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive to determine when ovulation will occur. Research has shown that women with PCOS often experience multiple follicular stimulation, a condition in which more than one follicle is selected per cycle. As a result, OvaCue readings from women with PCOS reveal multiple Cue Peaks. The graph below provides an example of what the OvaCue readings might look like with PCOS. Notice the Cue Peaks on Cycle Day 6 , Cycle Day 12, and Cycle Day 17. A small Vaginal Rise occurs on Cycle Day 14, suggesting ovulation may have occurred. However, the low vaginal readings after Cycle Day 14 indicate high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone in the luteal phase. You’ll notice the same pattern occurs on Cycle Day 19 with another vaginal rise, yet again the vaginal readings drop again. This can happen multiple times in a cycle for women with PCOS. It’s important to continue to take readings and watch for a vaginal rise followed by continued elevated vaginal readings.