Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition most often characterized by irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity, but it can affect women in a variety of ways. Both girls and guys produce hormones called androgens (pronounced: an -druh-junz), which play a role in sexual function. Those eggs turn into many cysts. The cysts (say: "sists") are like little balloons filled with liquid. Instead of being released during ovulation, as an egg is during a normal menstrual cycle , the cysts build up in the ovaries and may become enlarged. Because of the way the cyst production interferes with the menstrual cycle, it's common for girls and women with PCOS to have irregular or missed periods.Our physicians are actively researching the genetics of PCOS and the association between PCOS and other conditions, such as diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. These same specialists are internationally known for their expertise, and have published many important articles on PCOS. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age in the United States, affecting an estimated 5 percent to 10 percent. Early diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can help reduce the risk of long-term complications, which include diabetes and heart disease.

Polycystic ovary disease is characterized by enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, an abnormally high number of follicles at various states of maturation, and a thick, scarred capsule surrounding each ovary. The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome stem from a disruption in the reproductive cycle, which normally culminates each month with the release of an egg from an ovary (ovulation). It occurs amongst all races and nationalities, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility . Research has suggested that PCOS may be related to increased insulin production in the body. Women with PCOS may produce too much insulin, which signals their ovaries to release extra male hormones. PCOS seems to run in families, too, so if someone on your mom's or dad's side of the family has it, you might be more likely to develop it. The cause of PCOS is not fully understood. There are long-term risks of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer of the womb. Women diagnosed as having PCOS before pregnancy have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Causes of Polycystic ovary syndrome

The common Causes of Polycystic ovary syndrome :

• Insulin resistance or hyperinsulinism (high blood levels of insulin).
• Hyperandrogenism (excessive production of male hormones).
• Food adulterantion (excitatory amino acids, for example)
• Chronic inflammation.
• PCOS is a familial condition, possibly autosomal dominant. However, the genetic components of PCOS have not yet been identified
• Obesity.
• Abnormality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (organ/hormonal disorder).

Symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome

Some common Symptoms of Polycystic ovary syndrome :

• Aggravation of acne
• Infertility
• High blood pressure
• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
• Decreased breast size
• Prolonged periods of PMS -like symptoms ( bloating , mood swings , pelvic pain , backaches )
• Breast milk secretion
• Higher risk of developing endometrial (uterine) abnormalities, including uterine cancer
• Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist

Treatment of Polycystic ovary syndrome

• Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist medications are under investigation to inhibit pituitary release of LH and thus reduce the secretion of ovarian hormones.
• Metformin and newer glitazone antidiabetic medications decrease insulin resistance and the amount of insulin in the blood. They may also normalise ovulation.
• Hair removal measures such as shaving, electrolysis , chemical and waxing creams can be used to treat hirsutism.
• Cosmetic treatment of facial hirsutism with electroepilation and laser hair removal has also been studied and found to be beneficial.
• Medications used to treat the symptoms of Stein-Leventhal syndrome include oral contraceptives, spironolactone, flutamide, and clomiphene citrate.
• weight loss in obese PCOS patients leads to decreased insulin resistance and a fall in testosterone levels. Outward improvements include reduced hirsutism and a return of menstrual cycles in some women.
• Cigarette smoking should be stopped because it stimulates adrenal androgens.

Women's Health

Adenomyosis
Ahumada-Del Castillo Syndrome
Anovulatory cycles
Asherman's syndrome
Atrophic vaginitis
Bacterial vaginosis
Baker's Cyst
Bartholion gland cyst
Candida infection
Cervical Ectropion
Cervical Erosion
Cervical mucous
Cervical polyp
Cystocele
Cystocoele
Dermoid Cysts
Dry vagina
Endometriosis
Enterocoele
Fibroids
Ganglion cysts
Gonorrhoea
Hydrometrocolpos
Hysteria
Lactose intolerance
Laryngitis
Legionnaire's disease
Leprosy
Leptospirosis
Leucorrhoea
Leukaemia
Lice infestation
Lichen planus
Lipoma
Liver cirrhosis
Mittelschmerz
Nabothian gland cyst
Oestogen dominance
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Pilonidal cyst
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Popliteal cysts
Rectocoele
Sebaceous cysts
Trichomonas infection
Urethral caruncle
Urethrocoele
Vaginal atrophy
Vaginitis
Vulvodynia
Wernicke korsakoff synodrome