So You Think You Have Pcos? - Now What?

So You Think You Have Pcos? - Now What?

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition with many symptoms. Some patients may suffer from infertility while others may have some physical changes in their body. Because there is no one specific test to diagnose PCOS, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a patient has PCOS or not. Many tests are done to eliminate the possibilities of other ailments.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome is also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome. It is actually the most common hormonal problem for women and a well-documented cause of infertility.

One typical symptom of PCOS is overproduction of male sex hormones, androgens. Other symptoms include weight gain, irregular periods or absence of periods, cysts on the ovaries, abnormal hair growth, and some skin changes.

When you go to the doctor to discuss your symptoms, you can help him by bringing any specific information you have kept about your symptoms. He will do a routine physical examination, checking your blood pressure and weight.

Two typical symptoms of PCOS are increased hair growth and cyst forming on the ovaries. So, it might be a good idea to let the hair to grow for a couple of days before seeing your doctor. He may also make a pelvic exam whether you have ovarian cysts.

He will certainly order a blood draw for several laboratory tests. He would likely order a comprehensive blood count (CBC) and a metabolic panel.

PCOS and insulin resistance are shown to be connected with each other, even though it is not known which one comes first. That is why your blood sugar levels during the last three months is one of the first things to exam.

Naturally, all kind of hormone tests are also ordered. Your doctor wants to know the ratio of luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating (FSH) hormones. If LH/FSH is more than one, it may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Hormones that are typical for women as well as for men are DHEA-S and testosterone. These hormones will be tested too.

Since there is no specific test for PCOS, your doctor will look at physical findings and lab tests to eliminate other possibilities. It is a combination of various things that help him make the diagnosis.

He may also order other tests. He may order an ultrasound to look for ovarian cysts and make sure that your ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes appear normal. Depending on results, it is possible that your medical professionals may elect to use laparoscopy to more closely inspect and evaluate these organs.

There is no known cure for PCOS. However, there are some treatment options that can help to get relief for the symptoms. Often natural remedies for PCOS are the most effective ones. Watching your diet and regular exercise can make wonders for your symptoms.

About the Author:
There are many PCOS treatments for women who are suffering from the dondition. While natural remedies for PCOS are usually the most effective ones, you should take a closer look at those possibilities first. Get more information by visiting at PCOSandFibroids.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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