Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
It is a common complex hormonal disorder, affecting up to ten percent of women (reproductive age) worldwide.
While there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms are treatable with varying degrees of success.
The three treatable features of polycystic ovarian disease include the clinical symptoms, hormonal abnormalities and metabolic problems.
But, if PCOS is left untreated it can lead to various life-threatening conditions including hypertension, kidney problems, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and heart disease. Endometrial cancer can occur due to anovulatory menstrual cycles.
Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome may complain of abnormal bleeding, extreme weight gain, depression, tiredness, hair loss, thyroid problems, headaches, sleeping disorders, high cholesterol, poor memory, panic attacks, constant thirst, dizzy spells, insulin resistance, extreme cravings, cystic ovaries, cystic acne, anovulatory menstrual cycles (cycles without ovulation), irregular periods, mood swings, high levels of testosterone, infertility, extreme hair growth on face and body.
On the other hand, to treat any of these conditions, it is essential to diagnose reliably and diagnosing is one of the major problems of PCOS (currently) because it is a heterogeneous condition where many different manifestations
occur, which aren’t constantly present in all women suffering with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
For instance, about 80% of women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries present in their body. Moreover, remember that having polycystic ovaries does not imply that you are suffering with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Around fifty percent of those with polycystic ovaries have PCOS and the rest have polycystic ovaries either because of normal variations, or the conditions that lead to multiple ovarian cysts.
Owing to this variability there remains no single diagnostic test with which the diagnosis of PCOS can be done. Instead, a combination of factors is used to diagnose the polycystic ovarian disease.
The factors include, the evidence of hyperandrogenism (excessive male hormones in the blood), anovulation, and other conditions that can cause the above problems.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a complicated condition, and due to this, it should always be diagnosed and treated by a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman’s stage of life.
Infertility problem should be treated, if you want to become pregnant. Infertility treatments include weight loss diets, ovulation medications (clomiphene, letrozole, Follistim, Gonal-F), ovarian drilling surgery and IVF.
Ovarian drilling surgery is used to reduce hyperandrogenism. Usually, it is performed at the time of laparoscopy.
Ovarian drilling is a laser fiber or electrosurgical needle, which is used to puncture the ovary 10-12 times to reduce the androgenic levels. The studies have shown that about 80% will benefit from this treatment.
A water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone help reverse the problem of acne or excess hair growth.
To overcome anovulation, a medication called clomiphene (clomid) can be used to induce ovulation (cause egg production). Also, weight loss can normalize menstrual cycles and often increases the possibility of having pregnancy (ovulation).
A birth control pill with low androgenic side effects can cause regular periods and prevent the risk of uterus cancer.
Metformin is a medication to treat type II diabetes. It also affects the action of insulin and helps reduce the symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).
Some helpful links that clear your doubts regarding PCOS:
Can You Get Pregnant With PCOS? What Treatment Is Required?
What Are Enlarged Ovaries? Why You Should Not Ignore Them?
View Comments (43)
is just enlarged ovaries a problem?
This article was really superb, which made me realise why I behave abnormally and why I am so unusually tired after doing little things.
I have a question if you could help me sort it out, Due to severe stomachache, I got admitted in the hospital about 5 years back, where they had to do a laparoscopy surgery. The diagnosis was Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD, as they call it). So I am not sure if its the same as PCOS and if I am suffering from PCOS or the symptoms. I did not take any medication all these years for the irregular menstrual cycle. Now that I am married for a year and have had very irregular periods, I have set to worry about it, I am not sure if I am overweight. I am 23 years old and weigh 60 kgs. I am blank and do not know how to proceed. Please help.
i have been having several menstrual problems which were never completely diagnosed nor explained. your site very simply gives a detailed explanations to various problems.
however it would be great if you offer some medical counselling as well.
I found this article very helpful,since I am suffering from same problem, I have had irregular periods from the beggining,I had an Ultra Sound test about 6 months ago and there was showing small follicles in perephreal areas of both ovaries ,I start taking some prescribed medication for my irregular periods it was effective ,I got married after that ,then I had another U/S test again it was showing every thing normal but still I had problem of irregular periods I took that prescribed medication again for this problem it was fixed but I didnt get pregnent and now it is about two months that I miss periods , I didnt take medications for that again, by the way ,I have extra hair grow on my face and other areas of my body and I feel I am over weight. Iam 26 years old and I weighs 75 Kgs.I need your help please
Thanks
Hi,
I am 24 unmarried height 5.5 and weight 64 kgs.i am suffering with irregular periods and some times heavy bleeding with blood clots.i went to doctor and she said iam having polycystic ovaries.before i met the doctor i have heavy bleeding with blood clots so she gave tablet primulate to stop bleeding for 10 days after stopping tablet in the 3rd day i got period doctor told me to take ovral-l tablet to be taken in second day of the period begins for 3 months will the bleeding will stop after 5th day or not and will my periods will become regular or not by using this medicine.doctor said i am having very small cysts in my ovaries of size 2mm is this harmful and may it lead to any dieseas in future can i able to give birth to children after marriage or not? will this ovaries lead to any cancers? please help me iam really very upset becoz of this give me your valuable suggestions
hi,
i am 25 years old.my weight is 52kg.height 151cm.i got married before 2.5 years.i didnt get pregnant due to pcos.i am having irregular periods.i am taking glyciphage as prescribed by doctor for about 8 months.still now no improvement.i very much depressed for not having child. what treatment i have to take for immediate pregnancy.please suggest proper medication and advice.. thanks
i am 26 yr old unmarried my both ovary enlarged is this a big problem?
I had Found an Symptoms of PCO"s Last Four Months Back for an irregular Periods, Now i am 25 years old and i got married last six months back , i am under tratment now, i want to conceive now , is this possible
I found out in my sono in july 08 that i have polycyst ovaries as had no menses even after my daughter was almost a year. Though my gynaec said that it was ok and i need not worry . I have no idea if i had this before my pregnancy as did not have any irregular periods. Should i consult a doctor? I am a bit worried. please reply.
Hi. I am 27yrs old and i am diagnosed with Polysistic Ovaries. sometimes i dont get periods for3 months but now i started taking regestorne every month. doctor has asked me to take glycomet or metchek everyday life time. he said nothing can be done now. i am not taking glycomet or metcheck and i dont want to get into any trouble before or after marriage.. is it fine if i dont take these medicines? i had started gaining weight but joined gym. there are no other side effects on my body except that. should i tell this to the guy before getting married. will there be any problem in pregnancy?
Please Reply. i need help