| What is PCOS? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disturbance involving the entire body but in particular the ovaries. It is one of the leading causes of infertility. Other names for this syndrome are Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or Hyperandrogenic Annovulation Syndrome. It is also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOD) or just plain Polycystic Ovaries (PCO). What are some symptoms of PCOS? Absent or irregular menstrual periods – nine or fewer periods in a year with typical cycle lengths of six weeks or greater Infertility (subfertility) – the inability to conceive after twelve or more months of trying Hirsutism – heavy or male pattern hair growth in women typically on the face, chest, abdomen or inner http://pcos-success-stories.blogspot.com/thighs Obesity – increased body weight caused by excess accumulation of fat especially in the midsection or abdominal area Acne – inflammation of the skin, pimples or breakouts typically on the face, chest or back Alopecia – hair loss or baldness, typically in a male pattern Acrochordons (skin tags) – small growths of skin that are flesh colored or darker and are raised or hang from the rest of the skin Acanthosis Nigricans – darkened, velvety patches of the skin especially on the neck, groin, underarms or in skin folds PCOS also puts you at risk for some of the following conditions: Type II Diabetes – PCOS is related to abnormal insulin levels or insulin resistance which can lead to glucose intolerance and adult onset diabetes. Heart disease – PCOS is also related to high cholesterol levels and hypertension which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Uterine cancer – because women with PCOS have irregular cycles the lining of the uterus doesn’t shed as often and abnormal cells may form. How is PCOS diagnosed? A Reproductive Endocrinologist would most likely be the best doctor to see to diagnose and treat PCOS. Your OB/GYN may also be knowledgeable about PCOS. PCOS can be diagnosed in the following ways: Ultrasound – The ovaries may have many small cysts and have the appearance of a “string of pearls” around them on ultrasound. Blood Tests – Several hormone levels are affected by PCOS including fasting insulin, fasting glucose, cholesterol, lutenizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. Elevated levels may indicate PCOS. Here is a link to a helpful chart of hormone levels for fertility blood work. http://www.fertilityplus.org/faq/hormonelevels.html Evaluation of Symptoms – If you have four or more of the symptoms listed above, it could indicate PCOS. What causes PCOS? While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, current thought is that the major contributors to the symptoms of PCOS are insulin resistance and excess androgens. There may also be a heredity predisposition to developing PCOS and its symptoms. |
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