Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS – Stein Leventhal syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS; Stein Leventhal Syndrome; Polyfollicular Ovarian Appearance; Hyperandrogenic Anovulation; Polycystic Ovarian Disease; PCO; PCOD)

What is PCOS in gynecology?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) It is a chronic disorder of the endocrine system in women. With PCOS, ovaries produce follicles, but the egg is not matured or released from the ovary. The immature follicles can turn into fluid-filled sacs, the so-called cysts.

PCOS causes

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known exactly. It is believed, that may play a role genetic factors. The appearance associated with PCOS and insulin resistance, which increases insulin levels in the blood. High levels of insulin causes an increased production of androgens, It prevents ovulation and leads to polycystic ovarian. Excess androgens may also cause:

• Girsutizm – unwanted hair growth on the face and body;
• Insulin resistance;
• Acne.

Risk Factors PCOS

Factors, that may increase the likelihood of developing PCOS include:

• The presence of family members with PCOS;
• Irregular menstrual cycle;
• Obesity;
• Sedentary lifestyle;

PCOS symptoms

Some women may not have any symptoms of PCOS. In other cases, they may appear between the ages of 15-30 years. Women, who have symptoms, PCOS can be observed:

• Infertility;
• Amenorrhea – irregular periods or absence of menstruation;
• Obesity;
• Dark spots on the skin in the neck, in the groin and armpits;
• Hair loss.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are at increased risk of occurrence of the following diseases:

• Diabetes 2 type;
• Hyperlipidemia – increased levels of fat and cholesterol;
• High blood pressure;
• Metabolic syndrome – mix obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of glucose and cholesterol in blood, and an increased tendency to clotting and occurrence of inflammatory diseases;
• Heart Disease;
• Endometrial hyperplasia – a precancerous condition, characterized by the growth and thickening of the lining of the uterus;
• Endometrial cancer.

The diagnosis of PCOS it?

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. To determine the number and size of cysts, It may be appointed US.

It can be assigned to the analysis of urine and blood, to look for potential causes PCOS or check for pregnancy.

PCOS Treatment

Treatment is prescribed depending on, if you want to get pregnant or not. The goal of treatment is to overcome insulin resistance, that accompanies the diagnosis of PCOS.

Other treatment options for PCOS may include:

• Controlling symptoms of PCOS;
• Weight reduction, if you are overweight;
• Healthy eating;
• Moderate exercise, athletics;
• Medication for the treatment of insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, as well as monitoring the status preddiabetnogo;
• Oral contraceptives;
• Ovulation induction (if you want to get pregnant):
  • Metformin and clomiphene citrate;
  • Using modern reproductive technologies;
• Preventing complications of PCOS;
• Acceptance of anti-androgen drugs for blocking future hirsutism (unwanted hair growth).

The hormones in PCOS

Birth control pills allow to normalize menstrual periods. Besides, their regular intake will reduce the risk of uterine cancer. They also control the abnormal hair growth, and acne, inhibiting the action of androgens. If a woman wants to get pregnant, control may be replaced by drugs to stimulate ovulation.

Prevention PCOS

To date, there are no methods, allowing to prevent the occurrence of PCOS.