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.
Symptoms of PCOS include acne, facial hair growth, hair thinning, increase in body hair, increase in body weight, periods that are irregular, depression, and infertility. It is thought that the majority of these symptoms are caused by the increase in androgens.
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.
There is an increased rate of diabetes in women with PCOS. this is caused by insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, which can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk for heart disease by lowering your good cholesterol (HDL) and raising your triglyceride blood levels.
Other symptoms include uterine bleeding, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and a higher incidence of ovarian cancer.
While the exact cause of PCOS is not known, it may have a genetic component. There is an increased incidence in PCOS among family members, both through the mothers and fathers side of the family.
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 ovarian cysts, regardless of severity, should immediately make changes in their lifestyle. this includes regular exercise if they are not already doing so, and an increased diet of fruits and vegetables, grains, and beans. look up heart healthy diets on the web for some good guidelines. If you are overweight, losing excess pounds may decrease your symptoms and possibly even bring back ovulation. If you are a smoker, quitting is important. It has been shown that smoking increases circulating androgens in women, thus worsens your symptoms.
There are medications on the market that may help lower your androgen levels. One such drug is spironolactone. this drug blocks androgens from being taken up by cells, so that the effects of the hormone are decreased. It also helps to decrease blood pressure by increasing your urine output. Spironolactone has caused tumors in animals, however. Talk to your doctor to see if this medication would be right for you.
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.
The surgical option is called laparoscopic ovarian drilling. in this procedure, the doctor uses an endoscope to visualize the ovaries (through a small incision in your belly button) and then uses a cautery to destroy follicle cells that are producing too much androgens. this is not a very commmon procedure however, and is usually only used when medical and lifestyle changes have failed to regain ovulation.
If you suspect that you have PCOS, be sure to talk to a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome can be very unpleasent condition, and it can get even worse if you experience ruptured ovarian cysts. Find out more visiting PCOSandFibroids.com.
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