Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Well Polycystic Ovary Syndrome also known as PCOS is a condition where female hormones are out of balance. About every one in ten women have PCOS. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. It can cause problems with your periods and make you unfertile. If PCOS is not treated it can lead to serious problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, sleep apnea, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and abnormal uterine bleeding. Also, women with PCOS are at risk for endometrial cancer. Endometrial Cancer is cancer of the uterine lining. Most of these risks can be reversed by exercise and a diet. Normally the ovaries produce a tiny amount of male hormones called androgens, but in woman with PCOS the ovaries produce more androgens which can cause you to stop ovulating. Also the body has trouble producing insulin, which if your body doesn't use the insulin your blood sugar goes up which can cause you to develop diabetes. Some of the symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods (or no periods at all), acne, weight gain or inability to lose weight, extra body hair on the face back and chest, and depression. Also woman might have dark patches around their neck arms and inner thighs. That is caused by a high level of hormone insulin. Most women with PCOS have cysts on their ovary. A cyst is a fluid filled sac. Cysts are not harmful but can lead to hormone imbalances. PCOS can run in families so if a family member has PCOS, irregular periods or diabetes you are at a greater risk of getting this disease. There is not enough scientific information done to determine if it is inherited. There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be managed. A doctor may prescribe different medicines to try and control PCOS. Some of the medicines include birth control pills and diabetic medicine such as metformin. There is no one specific test to determine if you have PCOS. Your doctor will ask about your medical history, family history and your menstrual cycles. Also your doctor can order blood tests to see if it might be another illness. The doctor might want to do a pelvic exam to see if your ovaries are swollen. Women who have PCOS who are pregnant are at higher risk for miscarriages, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery. The diabetes medication metformin can help prevent these from happening during pregnancy.