Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010PCOS
A health problem that causes increase levels of Androgens, missed or irregular periods, developing cysts in ovaries, are health problems that can affect a woman’s ability to have children. This problem is referred to as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).The cause of PCOS is really unknown, but several factors may contribute to the condition such as genetics and hormonal imbalance. PCOS occurs in 5% to 10% of women and is the most common cause of Infertility in women. Often, a woman finds out about a cyst during a pelvic exam.
The main problem is a hormone called Androgens which are male hormones that females also produce. Increased levels of this hormone inhibit the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Some researchers think insulin is linked to PCOS. A woman can be predisposed to PCOS due to increased insulin levels. Increase in insulin levels can cause androgens to increase. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. The is the reason it’s called polycystic ovary syndrome. These cysts are not harmful, but can lead to hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of PCOS tend to be mild at first and you may have only a few symptoms or a lot of them. The most common symptoms are:
Acne
Weight gain or trouble losing weight
Extra hair on the face and body
Thinning hair on the scalp
Irregular and fewer periods
Fertility problems; trouble getting pregnant
Depression
Skin discolorations
High cholesterol levels
Elevated blood pressure
Multiple, small cysts in the ovaries
Elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance
Oily skin
Dandruff
Treatments for PCOS include Birth control pills that contain female hormones that help to regulate menstrual cycles. Contraceptives also help to lower levels of androgens. Sometimes women who have PCOS are prescribed Insulin-sensitizing medications that are also used to treat adult-onset diabetes. While these medications have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically for the treatment of PCOS, they seem to improve the regularity of menstrual cycles by lowering insulin levels. Ovulation Induction. In some women who wish to become pregnant, inducing ovulation is necessary. In current methods, the initial treatment to induce ovulation is usually an oral medication called Clomiphene citrate, which is taken for five days. If clomiphene is not effective, the next order of treatment often includes an injectable medication of gonadotropins. Lastly, Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively and is highly recommended as well. It helps with weight loss and keeping off weight.
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References
Medicine.net. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Retrieved from: http://www.medicinenet.com/polycystic_ovary/article.htm
MedlinePlus. (2010). PCOS Treatment. Retrieved from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancysts.html
U.S. Department of health & Human Services. (2010). Eisenberg, E. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Retrieved from: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.cfm
