What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results from an imbalance in the hormones that regulate the normal menstrual cycle. The ovary fails to develop and release a single egg each month. This leads to the often-seen "cystic" appearance of the ovaries (multiple small fluid-filled sacs within the ovary).
What causes PCOS?
The cause is not known. Researchers are investigating the possibility of a genetic cause.
How common is PCOS?
PCOS is the most common endocrine disturbance in women of reproductive age, affecting 5% to 10% of women in this age group. Seventy-five percent of women with secondary amenorrhea meet the diagnostic category for PCOS.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Common symptoms include menstrual cycle irregularity, ranging from unpredictable periods (often, periods with a heavy blood flow) to not having a menstrual period. Other common symptoms include excessive body hair (hirsutism) and acne.
Do I have to be overweight to have PCOS?
No. Although obesity was traditionally associated with PCOS, about 50% of women with PCOS are not obese. The obesity commonly observed in PCOS is characterized by an increased waist-to-hip ratio, referred to as android obesity, as opposed to the truncal obesity associated with Cushing's syndrome. The cause of PCOS obesity has not been fully delineated. Obesity appears to have a synergistic, deleterious effect on glucose tolerance in women with PCOS, as noted by the increased incidence of IGT and DM in obese women compared to lean women.
Are there risks to my health if I have PCOS?
Certain women with PCOS are at greater risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This risk is increased if you are overweight. As many as 40% to 50% of young, obese women with PCOS and 8% to 10% of lean women with the disorder have either impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM), as compared with 5% of age-matched controls in the general population.
What are the treatments for PCOS?
You and your health care provider will decide your treatment. Treatment often includes oral contraceptives (birth control pills) to regulate your menstrual periods. These medications may also reduce excessive hair growth and acne. Some women may use other medications (progesterone) monthly to regulate their menstrual periods. Women who want to become pregnant may need to use a special medication called clomiphene citrate that will help release an egg every month.
What if I have an impaired glucose tolerance?
If you have an impaired glucose tolerance test, you are at risk for developing diabetes. You will need to start changing your eating habits. Limit concentrated sweets and simple carbohydrates to reduce your weight if you are overweight. You may need to start medication to control your blood sugar if you develop diabetes.
For further information:
PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
Web site: http://www.pcosupport.org
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
1209 Montgomery Highway
Birmingham, AL 35216-2809
205-978-5000
Web site: http://www.asrm.org
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