Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are a couple of conditions that can impact female fertility and make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant. Affecting over 10% of reproductive-age females in America, endometriosis occurs when tissue that is normally found in the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. Similarly, about 10% of women in the country have PCOS. A woman with PCOS often produces excessive amounts of androgen, a male sex hormone that is found in females in lower amounts, and an insufficient amount of hormones required to ovulate or release an egg from the ovaries.
How can you tell if you have one of the conditions?
- PCOS: Some of the signs include irregular bleeding, excess hair growth, and difficulty losing weight.
- Endometriosis: Very painful periods
Who is at Risk?
Women with the following are at increased risk:
Endometriosis Risk Factors
- Infertility
- Family history of endometriosis
- Early menstruation before 11 years of age
- Longer periods than 7 days
- Shorter menstrual cycles that last less than 27 days
PCOS Risk Factors
- Family history of PCOS
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
