Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also called PCOS, mostly affects women of childbearing age. 10%-20% of women this age have this condition. This hormonal disorder is named this because of the multiple ovarian cysts which develop on the ovaries of the women who suffer from PCOS. The outer lining of the ovaries is where these growths are found and often appear as a string of pearls. The ovaries usually become larger with this condition as well. Polycystic ovarian syndrome is rarely malignant.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS can be a painful and irritating condition. Since this disorder disrupts a woman’s menstrual cycles, most women with PCOS have irregular periods or none at all. Those who do have periods have extremely light bleeding or excessively heavy bleeding. This disrupts the ovulation cycle and is one of the major causes of infertility. This makes it very hard for a woman suffering from PCOS to get pregnant.
Other possible symptoms of PCOS are high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and resistance to insulin. Because these cysts contain the hormone androgen, which is a male hormone, polycystic ovarian syndrome can possibly cause male pattern baldness or thinning hair, excessive face and body hair, weight gain and acne. This can cause severe bouts of depression for the woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Causes
In spite of intense research into this disorder, there has been no solid evidence of what causes this disorder. There are, however, theories revolving around a number of different causes for PCOS. This is possible a genetic condition which is passed on from mother to daughter.
There may also be a link between insulin and the development of PCOS. Those who have PCOS often have physical issues utilizing insulin which means over production of insulin in their bodies. This increases the production of the androgen hormone. High levels of androgen are usually found in women with PCOS.
Diagnoses
Unfortunately, there is presently no test for PCOS. Usually, it is found when a woman goes to the doctor for one or more of her symptoms. The doctor will obtain your medical records which will have indications of weight change and menstrual patterns. Then there will be a physical and pelvic exam.
During the pelvic exam, the doctor will look for any abnormalities in the reproduction organs. A simple blood test will reveal hormone levels, as well as cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The doctor might also decide to do a pelvic ultrasound which allows a closer look at the ovaries and the uterus. Tiny or small cysts can be found with this ultrasound.
Treatment
The course of treatment for polycystic ovarian syndrome varies according to the factors involved. There is fertility treatments for those patients who want to have children. For those who are not trying to become pregnant, there are contraceptives which are used to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. This can help to regulate a woman’s periods and reduces the androgen production. For others, there is a minor surgery, laparoscopy, which will help to decrease the androgen production and can stimulate ovulation if the woman who wants to have children.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be a bit overwhelming for some women. It is best to discuss your polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms with your doctor.
