Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS,polycystic ovary syndrome) is a relatively common hormonal disorder that causes a number of different symptoms in women of reproductive age. Common to all women with PCOS is an irregularity in themenstrual cycle and the presence of excess male hormones (androgens).
The condition was named because of the finding of enlarged ovaries containing multiple small cysts (polycystic ovaries). Although most women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, some affected women do not. PCOS has also been referred to as Stein-Leventhal syndrome and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD).
Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a health problem that affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age. Women withPCOShave a hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems that may affect their overall health and appearance.PCOSis also a common and treatable cause of infertility.
There is no cure yet, but there are many ways you can decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms and feel better. Your doctor may offer different medicines that can treat symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair, and elevated blood sugar. Fertility treatments are available to help women get pregnant. Losing as little as 5% excess weight can help women ovulate more regularly and lessen other PCOS symptoms. The ideal way to do this is throughnutritionandexercise.
You may feel that it is difficult to lose excess weight and keep it off, but it is important to continue the effort. Your efforts help reduce the risk for developing serious health complications that can impact women with PCOS much sooner than women without PCOS. The biggest health concerns arediabetes,heart disease, and strokebecause PCOS is linked to having high blood pressure,pre-diabetes, and high cholesterol.
CAUSES
The exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is not clear, although a number of abnormalities have been documented in women with PCOS. There is some evidence for an inherited (genetic) cause for PCOS, although no specific genetic mutation has been identified as the cause. It has been shown that the ovaries of women with PCOS may produce excessive amounts of male hormones, or androgens, which lead to disruptions in the menstrual cycle and impairedfertility.
PCOS is also associated withinsulin resistance, or an impaired ability to utilize insulin, and this abnormality is also likely related to the cause of PCOS.
The presence of small cysts in the ovaries is not specific for PCOS, since women who do not have PCOS may haveovarian cysts. Therefore the presence of cysts is not likely to be the cause of the symptoms of PCOS.
Treatments-
There are a number of treatments that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of PCOS. Treatment is dependent upon the stage of the woman's life and may be directed toward establishing regular menstrual cycles, controlling abnormal uterine bleeding, controlling excess hair growth, management of associated conditions such as insulin resistance, or promoting the chances of pregnancy when desired.
A number of medical conditions may be associated with PCOS, and treatment may be required that is directed at these co-existent conditions.
Ultimately take a good diet, loose weight (fat). Perform physical exercise and do everything that can be good for your health first.
-Akanksha Khandelwal
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