Explaining Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Many women who are trying to conceive will find, after investigations,
that she may have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome that is
thought to affect up to one in a hundred women. As it occurs because of
a problem with ovulation, it is seen in women of child bearing age and
is often only detected after attempts to get pregnant have failed.

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

When a woman ovulates
the egg is prepared for and released by a follicle on the ovary. In
polycystic ovaries the follicles prepare the eggs for release but do
not let go of them so each cycle another follicle enlarges containing
an egg that isn't released. Over a period of time the ovaries can
contain many of these follicles which look like small fluid filled
pouches (cysts).
Signs & Symptoms

The main symptoms of this syndrome are
irregular periods. This may be due to the egg not being released and
the uterine lining being unsure when to shed its excess blood supply.
Many women find they have higher masculinity detail such as thicker
darker facial hair and more body hair on the limbs. It is also common
for these women to become overweight as the insulin in the body is not
utilised effectively and unused sugar levels are stored as fatty
deposits around the body. Acne is also a common feature, particularly
that found on the facial area.
As few eggs are being released, many sufferers of polycystic ovary
syndrome have trouble conceiving and many need to have some degree of
fertility treatment to overcome this problem. As this syndrome is a
disorder of the endocrine (hormonal system), so too are the associated
symptoms
This condition may be diagnosed using blood tests that check the
hormone levels in the body, but can also be seen on an ultrasound scan
as the ovaries tend to be slightly bigger than normal and the fluid
filled pouches are quite clearly noticeable.

Causes Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome


Polycystic ovaries occur as the male hormones in the female body are
greater than normal. The reason for this is still unclear but genetics,
obesity and diabetes are all thought to be contributory factors.
Treatments For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Low fat and low
sugar diets are essential in the prevention of this disorder, but if it
has already been diagnosed there are several hormonal medications that
may be suggested, some in tablet form others as an injection. The variety of these types of drugs is quite extensive and detailed
discussion with your specialist will be needed to determine which
course of treatment is the best option for you. The results of the
blood tests will help to decide which medications are the most suited
to your needs also.It is possible that a surgical treatment may be offered during which a
telescope is inserted into the abdomen around the site of the navel. A
supplementary instrument is also inserted which can apply electrical
current to the ovaries under controlled application. The mechanism of
this action is not fully understood but it is thought to be linked to
the amount of male hormones contained and released in the ovary, and
their reduction.Along with these treatments it is possible for the excessive body hair
to be bleached or removed and acne can be treated with a number of
preparations from the chemists or with a prescription.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a fairly common condition and one of
the leading causes of female fertility problems. It can be treated but
may not be curable in some cases.