Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms and Treatment

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder associated with the endocrine system. It is a common hormonal disorder that affects almost 5% of women in the United States. The syndrome is usually characterized by the development of small cysts in the ovaries (polycystic ovaries) and hormonal imbalance. However, some cysts may be present in women without polycystic ovarian syndrome or the associated problems. On the other hand, occasionally women with PCOS, may not have polycystic ovaries.

Causes

The exact causes of polycystic ovarian syndrome have not been discovered till now. In many instances, it has been observed that the patient usually has family members with the syndrome. However, sufficient evidence is not there to establish the suspected genetic link. Another common condition associated with PCOS is the abnormalities in insulin production. This has led many to suspect a possible link between insulin resistance and development of PCOS. When the body becomes resistant to insulin, a higher level of insulin is required to maintain the blood sugar level. The excess insulin in the body may induce an hormonal imbalance.

Polycystic ovaries generally develop due to excess production of androgen by the ovaries, which is usually stimulated either by the luteinizing hormone (LH) released by the pituitary gland or the high level of insulin.

Symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is the irregularity of the menstrual cycle and sometimes menstruation may be absent for several months, while at other times, it can be too frequent. Excessive growth of hair on face and other parts of the body can occur due to hormonal imbalance or over production of the androgen hormone. This condition is termed as hirsutism. Obesity is another common symptom of PCOS. Besides, women with PCOS may experience acne and oily skin, deepening of voice, depression, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

One of the most important tools to diagnose PCOS is ultrasound. Sometimes, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scan are also carried out to detect the condition. Besides, blood is tested to detect the level of androgen hormones including androstenedione, testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone. Generally, PCOS is associated with elevated levels of these hormones.

Treatment for PCOS mainly concentrates on reducing the level of insulin, restoring regular menstrual cycle and fertility, treatment of hirsutism and prevention of endrometrial hyperplacia and cancer. The treatment usually combines both dietary therapy and medications. Dietary therapy is mainly used to control weight, which can be very effective in restoring normal ovulation or menstruation. So, a low carbohydrate diet and regular exercise can be beneficial in controlling weight and thereby regularizing the menstrual cycle. Birth controls pills are effective in lowering hormonal imbalances, restoring normal menstruation and reducing the risk of uterine cancer. Sometimes, injections of the gonadotropin hormone may be required to treat infertility, resulting from PCOS. However, if the patient does not respond to all the treatments, which aim at restoring fertility, then assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be required.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome has been found to increase the risk of some serious diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, heart stroke, miscarriage, endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer. It is one of the most important causes of infertility in women. As a strong relationship between obesity and PCOS has been observed, so regular exercise and controlling your body weight can play a significant role in lowering much of the risk associated with polycyctic ovarian syndrome.