Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The Polycystioc Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting between thousands of women worldwide. Since some women are asymptomatic, it is particularly hard for them to detect the condition. Only when it becomes problematic, such in cases of disability to conceive women turn to their doctors to ask for their expert advice and seek treatment. On the other hand, some women have quite pronounced symptoms, including obesity, acne and/or skin pigmentation, hirsutism, male-pattern hair growth or baldness, weight gain and insulin resistance. In addition, records of high blood pressure have also occurred, as well as dizziness, exhaustion and depression. Extremely important are also the psychosocial effects of PCOS, as suffering women tend to have poor body image and low self-esteem.

While PCOS is not a rare health case, the causes of PCOS are unclear. Recent studies indicate both genetic and environmental/lifestyle links. Specifically, doctors attest that about 25 percent of women have ovaries that can be diagnosed as polycystic on an ultrasound examination. This condition is called Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) and it can occur for a number of reasons. But women with polycystic ovaries (PCO) do not necessarily suffer from PCOS. Those having the syndrome have cysts that actually contain small follicles, which have not matured to release an egg.

In countries were special examinations exist, doctors are able to diagnose PCOS when other typical PCOS symptoms are present, but the ovaries appear to be normal. Most frequently, women with PCOS will have more than one of the following symptoms: irregular or only occasional periods, which may be very heavy when they occur; polycystic ovaries; difficulty becoming pregnant; problems with weight gain and increased upper body fat; excessive facial hair growth or occasional loss of head hair; acne or skin pigmentation; and increased blood lipids. As any one of these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions, it is important for women to investigate all the possibilities with their doctor before taking any form of medication.

Unfortunately, although research and knowledge is evolving rapidly, PCOS is not yet fully understood by practitioners. In particular, while doctors know that certain hormones are affected, they do not known where and how the changes begin or why some women will have different symptoms compared to others. In most cases, the hormones typically affected by PCOS are androgens-male-type hormones, such as testosterone-which are present in low levels in all women. But the women having PCOS have higher levels of androgens causing a variety of health problems like the ones mentioned above. Moreover, the hormone of insulin can be also affected. This is extremely serious, as women with PCOS may become insulin resistant, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of forming diabetes later in their life. Also, other hormones affected include the luteinising hormone (LH) and the follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). The outcome is that the follicles in the ovary do not mature and thus prevent the ovary from releasing an egg that will lead to a normal monthly cycle.

Oral contraceptives are usually subscribed by doctors since the chemical substances they release can be used to assist with irregular periods and will help protect women with PCOS against uterine cancer. But before taking any type of oral contraceptives, women found to have PCOS must consult with their doctor about the best form medicine for their specific case.

Finally, women with or without PCOS should focus on creating and maintaining a lifestyle that will keep them fit and healthy. Frequent diet changes and weight increase or loss due to irregular eating patterns, should be definitely avoided. Furthermore, exercising should be one of the first priorities women with PCOS should have, as regular exercise can help reduce the insulin levels in the blood and encourage weight loss. However, some women with PCOS will find it very difficult to manage their weight. But, even in cases where weight loss is not necessary, symptoms are improved via a healthier diet and an exercise plan.