Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can affect as many as 5 to 10% of women. This is a condition where small growths called cysts appear on the ovaries. This causes the ovaries to secrete increased levels of hormones called androgens, causing various effects within the body, including infertility. In this article, we will look at what PCOS is, and discuss how to deal with very serious case of PCOS and ovarian cysts.
Due to this increase in androgens, women often get various symptoms which include depression, irregular periods, weight gain, body and facial hair, acne, and loss of hair on the head.
Androgens are actually male hormones. Women normally make a small amount of androgens, but with PCOS, the amount they produce increases. This increase leads to male-like symptoms, such as growth of facial hair.
Insulin resistance is commonly found in women with PCOS, which may cause hypertension (high blood pressure) and a higher incidence of heart disease. Women with insulin resistance often have lower amounts of the good cholesterol (HDL), and higher than normal amounts of triglycerides.
Other symptoms include uterine bleeding, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and a higher incidence of ovarian cancer.
PCOS may be passed genetically, either through the fathers side or the mothers side of the family. The exact cause is unknown.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. An ultrasound may be ordered in order to check to see if you have PCOS. This is a non-invasive, pain free procedure.
The treatment options for PCOS are varied, and range from changes of lifestyle to more aggressive medical and surgical options.
Anyone diagnosed with PCOS should live a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy, low fat diet of grains, fruits and vegetables, and beans. Losing weight is very important if you are overweight. This can decrease your symptoms by getting the insulin resistance under better control. If you are a smoker, you need to quit, as smoking makes your symptoms worse by increasing circulating androgens.
Medical options include medications to lessen the effects of androgens on the body. Spironolactone is used to block the uptake of androgens by cells of the body. This acts to decrease the effect of these circulating hormones, and may help to restore ovulation. It also reduces your blood pressure. However, it has been correlated with tumor growth in laboratory animals, so you should discuss whether or not this is a good medical option for you with your doctor.
Birth control pills may also be prescribed. These will help regulate your hormone levels. Metformin may be given to help control diabetes. You may also receive fertility drugs if you are attempting to become pregnant.
Laparoscopic surgery is an option in severe cases of PCOS. This procedure uses an endoscope through a small incision in your belly button to zap the ovarian follicles. This decreases androgen production and may restart ovulation. This procedure is not done often, however, and usually only if all medical and lifestyle options have failed to bring your symptoms under control and bring back ovulation.
There are many options for patients with severe cases of PCOS. Talk to your doctor to find out more.
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