Cystic Ovaries Syndrome

Cystic ovaries syndrome, more commonly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormone imbalance that primarily affects women of child-bearing age. Women in the high-risk group are obese, have irregular menstrual cycles, or have a family history of PCOS.

Symptoms

• PCOS symptoms vary, but the most common are irregular menstrual periods, weight gain, increased body hair, breast shrinkage and acne. More serious symptoms include infertility, diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Skin darkening may appear on the back of the neck, armpits, inner thighs, vagina and under the breasts.

Causes

• Chemicals like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone control normal reproductive female cycles. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen, progesterone and androgen. The hormone imbalance in a woman with PCOS causes dysregulation of ovulation. This means that the follicles produce eggs, but none of them mature. Some of the follicles become cysts, and ovulation does not occur.

Prevention

• Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly help balance hormone levels. By keeping the hormones in balance the risk of developing PCOS is reduced.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of PCOS can be made by a gynecologist (a specialist in female reproductive issues) and/or an endocrinologist (a specialist in hormone disorders). Both types of doctors will analyze a detailed medical history. A pelvic exam determines if the ovaries are enlarged. Blood tests check hormone levels. Sometimes an ultrasound or laparoscopy is used to view the ovaries.

Treatment

• Lose weight if you are obese. Birth control pills can be used to regulate menstrual cycles. Clomiphene citrate increases ovulation in woman ready to have children. Anti-androgens are prescribed to decrease body hair. Metformin lowers androgen hormone levels and raises ovulation chance in insulin-resistant women.