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Posted By - Hampton Inn Santa Clarita
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Are you having trouble getting pregnant? Do you have an onset of adult acne? Is your hair starting to fall out? Then you might just have some other signs of PCOS, too.
Polycystic (pah-lee-SIS-tik) ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS,
affects as many as 5 million women in the United States. It is the
result of a hormonal imbalance whereby the ovaries make more androgens
than normal. Androgens are male hormones that females also make, and
having higher than normal levels of these hormones affects the
development and release of eggs during ovulation. In women with PCOS,
mature eggs are not released from the ovaries, and instead become very
small cysts inside the ovary.
I have PCOS. It was not until I had issues with infertility that it
was discovered, but looking back the diagnosis makes a lot of sense.
(That is a sentiment I have heard from several women who have it as
well.) PCOS is actually the most common cause of female infertility.
Since then I have come to know my own symptoms (such as severe pelvic
pain) and take medicine to ease them.
Symptoms of PCOS can vary, and while there is no known cure - there are several treatment options available. Here is what you need to know about PCOS:
1. Causes
There is no one known cause of PCOS. Experts theorize that genetics
can play a factor, though in my case that theory does not hold true.
A woman's level and resistance
to insulin may also play a role in causing PCOS. Experts have found that
many women with PCOS have too much insulin stored in their bodies
because they have problems using it. Too much insulin in the body seems
to increase the production of androgen, thus starting the hormonal
imbalance that is PCOS.
2. Reproductive Symptoms and Concerns
Because of the high levels of androgens in the body, PCOS can result in reproductive issues, such as:
- Cysts on the ovaries
- Problems with ovulation
- Pelvic pain
- Infertility
- Irregular or painful menstrual periods
3. Cosmetic Symptoms and Concerns
There are cosmetic symptoms of PCOS too, including:
- Acne or oily skin
- Weight gain, often around the waist
- Issues with hair, such as: dandruff, thinning hair or hair loss
- Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
- Dark patches of skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- Skin tags - excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
- Weight gain, often around the waist
4. Pregnancy Symptoms & Concerns
Many women (like myself) are diagnosed when they have fertility
issues. However, there can also be issues arising from PCOS during
pregnancy, such as:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
- Premature delivery
5. Long Term Symptoms and Concerns
Some of the other serious, more long-term concerns associated with PCOS are:
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep apnea
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Endometrial cancer
6. Tests
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. If you or your doctor
suspects that you may have PCOS, he or she will look at any or all of
the following:
- Medical history
- Physical exam
- Pelvic exam
- Blood tests
- Vaginal ultrasound (sonogram)
7. Treatment Options
Treatment options may vary depending on whether you are at an age or
stage where pregnancy is an issue. Some people may also wish to treat
the issues that happen as a result of PCOS, such as acne and hair loss.
Most healthcare practitioners will encourage following a healthy lifestyle, including:
- limiting processed foods and high sugar foods
- eating healthy meals with lean meats, vegetables and whole grains
- engaging in regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise
8. Other Treatment Options
Other treatments for PCOS may include:
- Birth control pills (for those who do not wish to be pregnant)
- Progesterone pills (such as Provera)
- Diabetes medications (such as Metformin, which is also known as Glucophage)
- Fertility medications (for those who wish to become pregnant)
- "Ovarian drilling" surgery (for those who wish to become pregnant who have not responded to fertility medications)
- Anti-androgen medicines (such as Spironolactone or Finasteride)
Again, please note that treatment options will vary from person-to-person and all treatment options should be discussed with a healthcare practitioner.