Conditions We Treat

Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of ovulatory infertility. With proper management, the large majority of women with PCOS can conceive successfully.

IRFC care coordinator reviewing a patient treatment plan

Diagnosis starts with a conversation

Before any treatment, your physician takes the time to understand your full history and explain what the evidence shows — so the plan fits you, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Talk to a coordinator

Understanding PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition in which the ovaries produce excess androgens (male hormones), leading to irregular or absent ovulation, small fluid-filled follicles on the ovaries, and a range of systemic symptoms.

PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It is diagnosed using the Rotterdam criteria: two of the following three features must be present — irregular ovulation, elevated androgens, or polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound.

Common Symptoms

  • Irregular, infrequent, or absent periods
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
  • Acne or oily skin
  • Thinning scalp hair
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)

How IRFC Diagnoses PCOS

  • Comprehensive hormonal panel (LH, FSH, testosterone, DHEA-S, insulin, thyroid)
  • Antral follicle count and ovarian volume via pelvic ultrasound
  • Fasting glucose and insulin resistance screening
  • Full medical history and menstrual cycle review

Key Fact

PCOS is the most treatable cause of female infertility. Most women with PCOS who want to conceive can do so with appropriate ovulation induction or assisted reproduction.

Treatment at IRFC

Lifestyle Optimization

Even modest weight loss (5–10%) can restore regular ovulation in overweight women with PCOS. IRFC collaborates with weight management specialists and nutritionists as part of a holistic approach.

Ovulation Induction

Oral medications (letrozole or clomiphene) stimulate the ovaries to produce and release one or two eggs per cycle. Paired with timed intercourse or IUI, this is often the first treatment step.

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Combined with monitored ovulation induction, IUI places concentrated sperm directly into the uterus at the optimal moment — maximizing the chance of fertilization.

IVF with Gentle Protocols

For women who don't respond to or conceive with simpler treatments, IVF offers the highest success rates. IRFC uses careful, individualized stimulation protocols to minimize OHSS risk in PCOS patients.

Metformin & Insulin Sensitizers

When insulin resistance is a contributing factor, medications like metformin can improve hormonal balance, restore ovulation, and reduce miscarriage risk.

PCOS & Mild Stimulation IVF

Dr. Liu specializes in mild stimulation IVF protocols that are particularly well-suited for PCOS patients, who are at elevated risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) with conventional dosing.

IRFC fertility patient

PCOS is the most treatable cause of female infertility.

"When I was told I had low AMH and PCOS, I thought my chances were gone. Dr. Lin designed a protocol just for me. After one IUI, I was pregnant."

— IRFC Patient, IUI with PCOS

PCOS Doesn't Have to Mean Infertility

Most women with PCOS can conceive with the right treatment. Let's find the right path for you.