All about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

June 4, 2009 at 12:14 PM (Causes of IF, Female Infertility, PCOS) (, , , , , , )

Just some info I have picked up about PCOS. It is important to know this information when having trouble getting pregnant, because it is a leading cause of infertility in women. Also, learning about PCOS helps you support friends that have this disease, and spreads the awareness to women who might have it and don’t even know it exists.

How many women are affected by PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects an estimated 5-10 percent of women of childbearing age and it is a leading cause of infertility.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

You don’t have to show all the symptoms to have PCOS. If you have a few of these you might want to talk to a doctor about testing.

  • Irregular periods

  • Lack of Ovulation

  • Cysts on ovaries

  • Enlarged ovaries

  • Hormone imbalance

  • Insulin resistance or diabetes

  • Chronic pelvic pain

  • Obesity or weight gain

  • High triglycerides or cholesterol

  • High blood pressure

  • Excess hair on body and face

  • Acne, oily skin, dandruff

  • Dark patches of skin

  • Thinning hair or baldness

  • Skin tags on neck or body

  • Depression or anxiety

  • Infertility

How can I be tested for PCOS?

There are a few ways that you can check to see if you have PCOS. The most common tests are very simple and include a blood test to check your hormone levels, an ultrasound to check the size of your ovaries and check for cysts, and looking at what symptoms your body shows compared to the results that are found. Because each person can show different signs and symptoms, sometimes getting a diagnosis can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to seek a second or even a third opinion if you suspect PCOS.

What is the cause of PCOS, and what is the cure?

Unfortunately at this time, there is no known cause for PCOS. There are many theories being tested, but as of right now, there just aren’t many answers. Some suspect that it may be hereditary, because in many cases there is more than one woman in a family with PCOS. Because there’s so little information known on PCOS, they have not been able to find a cure. There are medicines and procedures out there that can help with the symptoms caused by PCOS, though. Pills and injections can be given to make a woman ovulate, and help them get pregnant. Also, diet mixed with medicines such as Metformin have been shown to help with the insulin resistance and help regulate the body, decreasing the symptoms caused by a woman’s PCOS.

What are the long-term health risks associated with PCOS?

PCOS is associated with increased risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Even if a woman is not trying to get pregnant she should be sure to have her blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol, and triglycerides checked once per year. Hormone treatments, such as birth control, may also be given to keep the hormones in order to prevent other issues from forming.

Please note, I am not a doctor, and all this information I believe to be correct. If you see something incorrect in this blog PLEASE don’t hesitate to correct me.


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