I have not had my period in over a year and my doctor said I have polycystic
ovary syndrome. Will I get a regular cycle after I've been treated?
–
Elaina*
Yes, your cycle should go back to normal with treatment.
Teen girls get irregular
periods for many different reasons, including health conditions — like
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — that cause changes in hormones. When
a girl has PCOS, her ovaries produce
higher than normal amounts of hormones called androgens. These androgens can interfere
with the egg development and release that are part of a girl's normal menstrual cycle.
There are several ways to treat PCOS. If a girl is overweight,
weight loss can sometimes get hormone levels back to normal. Doctors also might prescribe
medicines to lower androgen levels.
How PCOS is treated all depends on the girl and her unique body chemistry. Sometimes
doctors may try different treatments before landing on the right one. So work with
your doctor and go to all follow-up appointments. That way, your doc will be up to
date about how you're feeling, how well a medicine is working, and what your cycle
is doing.
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Date reviewed: January 2017
