Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive problem. As many as 1 in 20 women of child-bearing age may have PCOS.
It appears that women with this problem do not experience normal monthly fluctuations in hormone levels. The ovaries may start to grow an egg, but all the hormones are not balanced correctly to let the egg mature. Instead it may stop growing, or become a cyst. Either way, ovulation stops. The ovaries of a woman with PCOS consistently fail to produce eggs.
The cause of the problem is unknown. Researchers are looking for genetic links, since PCOS seems to run in families. They are also looking at its relation to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that turns food into energy in the body. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, researchers feel that PCOS is the ovaries reaction to the insulin.
The National Women’s Health Information center identifies the following symptoms of PCOS:
Infrequent, absent or irregular menstrual periods
Infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
Pelvic pain
Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
Type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
Sleep apnea
Women experiencing PCOS tend to be over-weight and carry a greater risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The good news is: getting the symptoms under control at an earlier age may help to reduce the risks.
If you suspect you have PCOS, your doctor will examine you for the types of symptoms mentioned and perform a pelvic exam to determine if the ovaries are enlarged. A vaginal ultrasound can also help him identify cysts.
There is no cure for PCOS. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception.
Birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, maintain hormone levels, and help to clear acne.
The medicine Metformin (or Glucophage) may be used to help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels to help the ovaries begin to function normally again.
Fertility Medications may be considered, but PCOS patients are at increased risk for multiple births when using these.
Sometimes a surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. But the effect may only last a few months.
Some natural medicinal sources recommended are royal jelly, vitamin E and dong quai with peony or bupleurum to help regulate female hormones.
Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. A healthy diet and physical activity will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period.
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