Q: I have over producing ovaries. Can I still get pregnant?
A: Ovarian overproduction most commonly refers to women who produce too much testosterone in the ovaries and adrenal glands. These women most often have more male characteristics than women who produce normal amounts of hormones.
The cause for the overproduction can range from ovarian tumors to Cushing's Disease. Symptoms of ovarian overproduction include an increase in the amount of body hair, excessively oily skin, acne, lower voice pitch, small than average breast size, male physique, balding, muscle mass increase, an enlargement of the clitoris, and no menstrual cycle.
In order for the doctor to diagnose over producing ovaries, testosterone testing will be ordered. Other tests may include a CT scan and a pelvic ultrasound.
Treatment
Treatments for overproducing ovaries will vary depending on the cause of the condition. Symptomatic treatments can be used to induce a menstrual cycle and reduce body hair. If a tumor on the ovary is the cause of the condition, the ovary may need to be removed.
How fertility is affected
Fertility can be affected by overproducing ovaries. If the testosterone levels are too high, you will not menstruate (let alone ovulate). Once the testosterone levels are lowered to a normal female level, ovulation can resume and pregnancy can occur.
In mild cases of ovarian overproduction, pregnancy occurs naturally with the pregnancy resulting in a healthy baby. Your obstetrician should be advised of the overproducing ovary when you first find out you are pregnant. Too much testosterone in the body during gestation could pose harm to the fetus as there is a link between testosterone levels and fetal birth defects.
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