Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a common gynecological condition. Women with PCOS exhibit irregular periods, excessive hair growth and obesity. According to the Mayo Clinic, one in ten women in the U.S. has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and it is the leading cause of female infertility.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The most common symptom of PCOS is irregular menstruation or lack of menstruation. This may begin as soon as a woman begins puberty or after an increase in weight. The Mayo Clinic defines irregular menstruation as having fewer than eight periods per year. Some women will skip periods or have longer than 35 day cycles.
Another noticeable symptom of PCOS is signs of excess androgen. Excess androgen is when the ovaries produce too much male hormone. This can result in excessive body hair, acne, and even male pattern baldness. It is important to note that not all women with PCOS will have these physical signs.
Women with PCOS may develop enlarged ovaries with multiple cysts. However, some women’s ovaries continue to appear normal, even though they are suffering from PCOS. Cysts alone do not necessarily mean a patient has PCOS, as other conditions can cause ovarian cysts.
PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility in the U.S. (Mayo Clinic) While the infertility is caused by the syndrome, it is also considered as symptomatic of the syndrome.
Roughly half of the women suffering from PCOS have weight issues, including issues as severe as obesity. This increases a woman’s chances of having high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or cardiovascular complications.
Some women with PCOS may also exhibit skin symptoms. The most common issues are skin tags, which are small excess growths of skin. Skin tags are usually found on the neck or underarm (Mayo Clinic). Another possible skin symptom is acanthosis nigricans. This is the technical medical term for darker, velvety skin on areas of the neck, underarms, inner thighs, vulva, or breasts.
Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Physicians are unsure of what causes a healthy ovary to develop Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Researchers have been working on a theory relating to excess insulin. It is theorized that excess insulin boosts the androgen production of an ovary. Genetics may also be a factor in a woman developing PCOS (Mayo Clinic)
How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is Diagnosed
Unfortunately, physicians cannot test for PCOS specifically. Instead, PCOS is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions. A doctor will complete a physical exam, take a medical history, and perform blood work. Often an ultrasound is also performed to check for signs of an ovarian cyst.
Treatments for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Since there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms, rather than the condition itself, are treated. Most women require a medication to regulate the menstrual cycle. This is normally achieved by prescribing a low dose birth control pill. If the patient wishes to become pregnant, a fertility drug will be prescribed instead of an oral contraceptive.
If a PCOS sufferer is having troubles with excessive hair growth or acne, medications and treatments can be prescribed for these specific conditions. A patient may have to visit a specialist to receive treatment for these conditions.
It is highly recommended that women with PCOS get regular exercise to help combat weight complications, and to help prevent developing an insulin resistance. Combined with this regular exercise, a woman should also have a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects each woman differently. If PCOS is suspected, discuss any concerns with a qualified health professional.
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