Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam.
See also : Ovarian Cancer

Symptoms

Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. In adolescents, infrequent or absent menstruation may raise suspicion for the condition. Polycystic ovary syndrome signs and symptoms often begin soon after a woman first begins having periods (menarche). In some cases, PCOS develops later during the reproductive years, for instance, in response to substantial weight gain. PCOS has many signs — things you or your doctor can see or measure — and symptoms — things that you notice or feel. All of these can worsen with obesity. Every woman with PCOS may be affected a little differently.To be diagnosed with the condition, your doctor looks for at least two of the following:

• Irregular periods. This is the most common characteristic. Examples include menstrual intervals longer than 35 days; fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year; failure to menstruate for four months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy.
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
• Polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries become enlarged and contain numerous small fluid-filled sacs which surround the eggs.

Causes

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Doctors don't know what causes polycystic ovary syndrome, but these factors may play a role:

• Excess insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use sugar (glucose) — your body's primary energy supply. If you have insulin resistance, your ability to use insulin effectively is impaired, and your pancreas has to secrete more insulin to make glucose available to cells. Excess insulin might also affect the ovaries by increasing androgen production, which may interfere with the ovaries' ability to ovulate.
• Low-grade inflammation. Your body's white blood cells produce substances to fight infection in a response called inflammation. Research has shown that women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation and that this type of low-grade inflammation stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens.
• Heredity. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you might have a greater chance of having it, too. Researchers also are looking into the possibility that certain genes are linked to PCOS.

Home remedies

• Shatavari is used to treat or prevent conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Supplementation with vitamin D and Calcium may be a simple, inexpensive way to significantly reduce many symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• N-Acetyl Cysteine may help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a 2007 study in the journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica. For one menstrual cycle, 573 PCOS patients were treated with clomiphene citrate (a drug commonly used to induce ovulation). Next, 470 of these patients took a combination of N-acetylcysteine and clomiphene citrate for another menstrual cycle. Study results revealed that ovulation rates improved significantly after the addition of N-acetylcysteine.
• Omega-3 fatty acids appear to show natural benefits for women suffering from PCOS. You can obtain good plant-based sources of omega-3 fats from flaxseeds, walnuts, soybeans, tofu, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.
• Flaxseeds appear to rank the best when treating women with PCOS. A study published in the journal Current Topics, discovered that flaxseed supplementation reduced hirsutism and weight in women with PCOS. The lignans and essential short-chain omega-3 fats found in flaxseeds help reduced androgen levels significantly, which has been found quite impressive compared to other methods.

Warnings

See your doctor if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you're experiencing infertility or if you have signs of androgen excess such as acne and male-pattern hair growth.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.