Polysistic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects a woman's ability to have children and can also affect her heart, blood vessels and hormone levels. Ten percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS, according to the National Women's Health Information Center. The syndrome is the most common cause of female infertility in the United States.

Cause

• While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, genetics is thought to play a part, as women who have a mother or sister with PCOS have a higher chance of developing the syndrome themselves. A problem with excessive insulin production may trigger the production of androgen, a hormone that controls the production of testosterone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone. These hormones are commonly known as "male" hormones, although females produce lower levels of them. When this increase occurs, it may also be accompanied by a higher than normal level of female hormones, which interferes with the ability of the ovaries to release eggs.

Symptoms

• PCOS takes its name from the cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, that form in the ovaries. Other common PCOS symptoms include multiple cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual periods or absence of periods, infertility, oily skin, weight gain, dandruff, acne, type 2 diabetes, thinning hair, high blood pressure, dark patches on the skin, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and pelvic pain. PCOS affects a woman's appearance, causing excess hair to grow on the chest, face, back, thumb, toes or stomach. Skin tags may also develop in the neck and armpit area. It's not unusual for women with the syndrome to suffer from depression due to concerns about their appearance.

Diagnosis

• While there is no specific test available to diagnose PCOS, doctor sometimes do blood tests to check blood glucose and hormone levels. A vaginal ultrasound can be helpful in determining if cysts have developed in the ovaries and to check the condition of the lining of the uterus. If your doctor suspects PCOS, she will check for an increase in hair growth and perform a pelvic examination to check for enlarged ovaries or cysts. Your medical history and any recent changes in your health play an important part in determining your diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment varies depending on symptoms and your desire to become pregnant. Glucophage, a diabetes medication, can slow the growth of excess hair, as can special prescription creams, and may help regulate ovulation. It may also improve your cholesterol level and decrease your body mass. Keeping blood pressure under control with medication is important in preventing damage to your heart and blood vessels. If you don't want to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you take birth control pills for a period of time to reduce the male hormone levels in your body and regulate your menstrual cycle.

Achieving Pregnancy

• Women who want to become pregnant may need to use fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries to release eggs or undergo in vitro fertilization. During in vitro fertilization, your egg and your partner's sperm are combined in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are then implanted in your uterus. In some cases, ovarian drilling surgery is performed to spur ovulation. During the procedure, doctors destroy a small part of the ovary with a needle carrying an electric current in an attempt to lower male hormone levels.