| What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? |
The term polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) describes a group of symptoms and changes in hormone levels. The name comes from that fact that women with the condition often have many small painless cysts in the ovaries. These cysts are benign, but many of the symptoms can be emotionally distressing.
Symptoms of PCOS include:
The condition also can affect women's self-esteem and psychological health because of the baffling symptoms. Some women may suffer from depression because of the severity of these symptoms or simply because of the workings of the disease itself.
The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown. In fact, there is probably more than one cause. In general, an imbalance of hormones underlies the condition. It has also been called "ovarian androgen excess" because the ovaries produce male hormones (androgens) in increased amounts.
Along with irregular periods, the first signs of PCOS may be the growth of facial and body hair, hair thinning, acne, and weight gain. Weight gain, however, is not always present. Thin women can also have PCOS.
If you have symptoms of PCOS talk with a specialist. An endocrinologist, an expert in hormones, can help assess and treat your condition. Your doctor wil take your medical history, perform a physical exam, check your hormone levels, and possibly perform an ovarian ultrasound and measure glucose (sugar) levels in the blood.
Some conditions related to PCOS are potentially dangerous. Many women with PCOS have decreased sensitivity to insulin (the hormone that regulates sugar in the blood). This condition is known as insulin resistance. In order to deal with the problem, the pancreas must make more insulin. This problem is a major risk factor for adult-onset diabetes.
Women with PCOS often have increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). Overweight women with PCOS may also have low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and high levels of other fats, including triglycerides. These factors may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke later in life.
Because of irregular menstrual cycles and lack of ovulation, the lining of the uterus may not shed as often as it should. Left untreated, this may increase the risk of cancer of the uterus.
While PCOS is not curable, there are several approaches to achieving hormonal balance. Symptoms of PCOS are treatable with medications, and changes in diet and exercise.