Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, first referred to as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that causes multiple, pea-sized cysts to form on the ovaries. There is no cure. Little is known about the causes, however, genetics and insulin resistance seem to play a very big role. The effects of polycystic ovarian syndrome can range from minor to dangerous to humiliating. Some of the more embarrassing symptoms can be difficult for a lot of women to discuss, even with their doctors. In addition to that, with a lot of doctors either being unfamiliar with or unresponsive to the disease, discussing treatment options can be even more of a burden.

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome can experience any combination of the symptoms associated with it. Some of those symptoms are pain, irregular or no menstrual cycles, infertility, dark skin patches, obesity, male pattern baldness, acne, and excess facial and body hair. The problem here is that there is no single treatment for all of the symptoms. A lot of times, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are immediately put on oral contraceptives to relieve symptoms. While this is a good way to regulate menstrual cycles, this would not be good for a woman who is trying to conceive.

In addition to the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome, there are several serious health dangers associated with it. For example, a woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome is seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than a woman without it. There also comes an increased risk of endometrial cancer as well as heart disease. Many women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are insulin resistant and there is evidence there is a connection between the two. The problem again lies in the fact that the medical community and doctors either do not believe this disease is serious enough to learn more about it or they are so baffled by it that they push it aside and act like it's no big deal to avoid having to say "I don't know".

Even though there is obviously a long way to go, there are some strides that have been made in treatment options. Ultra sounds are able to see the cysts, however, a blood test would be needed to test hormones before correctly diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome. Oral contraceptive are generally the first option. These, however, can cause problems of their own. For example, blood clots. Metformin, also used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been shown to be helpful in regulating menstrual cycles. (There's that insulin connection again.) Keeping that connection in mind, there have been great successes decreasing symptoms in women following low-carb diets. Saw palmetto, an herb generally used for men's prostate health, has also been shown to relieve some symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome. In some cases, it has completely regulated menstrual cycles. Surgery is also available as a last resort. Many insurance companies, however, will not cover a hysterectomy for polycystic ovarian syndrome, so if you are considering this as an option, watch how your doctor writes it up.

For many women dealing with these miserable symptoms, it's hard to realize they are not alone. As many as 7% of women have polycystic ovarian syndrome. Some women don't even know it. Often it goes undiagnosed, and in some cases, is diagnosed but so disregarded by the physician that the patient does not realize what they have or what their options are. The best thing any woman can do, whether they have it or just think they do, is educate themselves. Do not expect your doctor to know everything they need to about this disease. Odds are, they don't. If your doctor doesn't seem willing discuss all the options with you or acts like its "no big deal", change doctors. Keep in mind, there is help available. You are not the only one. PCOSA (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association) is a non-profit organization that provides education and support to women with the disease as well as doctors. They are online. Support groups are forming all the time for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. If you are uncomfortable or unable to talk to your doctor, consider a support group. As tempting as it may be to ignore the symptoms or try to pretend they are not there, this is not the wisest choice. Don't be afraid to do the research yourself and take it to your doctor. Educate yourself. You owe it to yourself.