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Polycystic Ovarian Diseases

Polycystic ovarian disease, also called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), affects about one in 10 women of child-bearing age, according to Womenshealth.org. PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility.

  1. What is Polycystic Ovary Disease?

    • Polycystic ovarian disease is a condition that causes small cysts to form in one or both of the ovaries. These cysts may make it hard for you to become pregnant.

    Causes

    • Polycystic ovarian disease is usually inherited. Many women with this disease may have at least one close female relative with the same symptoms. Other causes for this disease are unknown.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms include, but are not limited to, developing male characteristics (deepening voice and male-pattern hair growth), weight gain, diabetes, insulin resistance, enlarged clitoris, abdominal pain, irregular menstrual cycles and acne.

    Diagnosis

    • Diagnosing polycystic ovarian disease, is completed through the use of several testing methods. These tests include ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, laparoscopy and blood tests.

    Treatment

    • Some medications used to treat the symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease are Clomid (to induce ovulation), birth control pills (to regulate cycle and hormones) and metformin (to reduce insulin resistance).

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