QuestionHi,
Im a 21 year old female from the UK. Since I was 13, when I started puberty, my periods were always regular. I then got the implant inserted into my arm as a contreceptive and when I got it removed, I've had bad periods ever since. I can go 6-7 months without a period. I'm trying to concieve, so its really not helping. I'm in the process of getting tests done. I had a scan of my ovaries and things, and the results came back as ;satisfactory? What does this mean? Also, my doctor told me I produce more male hormone than female, please help?
AnswerHello Lisa from the U.K.,
By now, any residual effect from the implants should have worn off, so the irregular cycles that you have are for a different reason. I assume, from what your doctor told you about producing more "male hormone", he has diagnosed you with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). I have written extensively regarding this disorder in my blog so you might want to refer to it.
PCO is an ovarian dysfunction disorder. Basically the ovaries are nor working correctly and so the hormones are out of balance and ovulation does not occur. As a result, you have irregular cycles, and probably are not ovulating on a regular basis. Ovulation is the process whereby your ovary grows and expels an egg. It also sets up the environment of the other reproductive organs to prepare for pregnancy. Without it, pregnancy cannot occur. The treatment for this is to use a medication to include ovulation. We call this ovulation induction. There are various types of medications that can be used including Clomiphene, Letrozole and various injectable medications. If you see the proper fertility specialist, you can have the appropriate evaluation and treatment to help you achieve pregnancy.
Good luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf
