Common Concerns & Symptoms

Women who see our doctors have common concerns and symptoms. You may have some of these same symptoms.

Irregular periods and trouble becoming pregnant

• Having few or no periods in twelve months
• Having trouble getting pregnant after trying for at least one year. It is hard to become pregnant when you have fewer periods because there is less chance for eggs to be fertilized.

Hair and skin problems

• Having a lot of hair on your face, chest or back. This is called hirsutism.
• Having acne 
• Losing hair on your head, like men who are going bald
• Having dark spots on your neck, the pit of your arms, under your breasts or on your knuckles

Weight and insulin problems

• Having obesity and having a hard time losing weight
• Having abnormal insulin and hormones levels that control your blood sugar. This puts you at risk for diabetes.

Why do I have these symptoms?

Women can have irregular periods, infertility, and hair/acne problems for many different reasons. For example, an overactive or under active thyroid can cause irregular periods. At your first visit, your doctor will learn more about you and your concerns. This will help your doctor decide what tests you should have. After your visit and blood tests, your doctor will be able to tell you what is causing your problems. However, the most common cause of these symptoms is a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Why women come to the Reproductive Endocrine Unit

One patient’s story

Lisa is 28 years old. She has not been able to get pregnant. In the last year, she only had her period three times. She also has acne and hair on her face and stomach. Like some men, she is losing hair on her head. Lisa has been overweight since she was a teenager. Her primary care doctor sent her to the Reproductive Endocrine Unit for help identifying and treating her symptoms.