Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, (PCOS) is a condition affecting five to ten percent of all women in their childbearing years. Not only does the condition itself cause considerable risks, but the treatment can, as well as the lack of treatment.
The cause of PCOS has yet to be realized, but is commonly found in women who are overweight. This is a chicken or egg scenario, it is undetermined which causes which. It is the subject of current studies, however, the ability of these women’s bodies to make insulin. Women with PCOS also have high levels of hormones and irregular menstrual cycles.
In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries begin by producing about twenty eggs within follicles that hold the eggs. These follicles fill with liquid to hold the eggs and support their growth. Normally, only one of the eggs matures and is released and travels down the fallopian tube for fertilization. In a woman with PCOS, none of the eggs mature, as the ovary does not produce sufficient hormone. Many of the eggs may remain in the ovary and become cysts. Upon viewing through the use of a vaginal ultrasound, the ovaries have the appearance of being covered with a “string of pearls.” The hormone that is not being produced is progesterone. Also, the cysts begin producing male hormones, which further the prevention of ovulation. Without the maturity and release of an egg from the ovary, a woman does not ovulate. Therefore, she is not having regular menstrual cycles.
Symptoms of this condition can be most unpleasant. Among them are not only irregular cycles, but acne, oily skin, dandruff, excess body hair, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, infertility, sleep apnea, and thinning hair-perhaps even balding similar to that in males. The lining of the uterus also becomes especially thick due to lack of regular periods and when a period does occur, it can be exceptionally heavy and uncomfortable cramping may occur.
Obviously the absence of treatment might worsen these symptoms. But treatment holds risks as well. Commonly in women who do not desire to conceive, birth control pills are used as treatment to regulate cycles.
Women are also commonly treated with a drug such as Provera, which only has the hormone progesterone in it. This drug will induce a menstrual cycle and help avoid endometrial problems, but might have serious side effects such as stoke, blood clots, nausea, insomnia, fever, and fluctuations in weight, as well as some moodiness. Some of these side effects can be anticipated in women who take the pill as well.
Sometimes PCOS is treated with the drug Metformin, or Glucophage, which is used in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. What this does for a woman with PCOS is similar to what it does for the diabetic; it will affect what the body does with insulin and decrease the male hormone, therefore assisting in the regulation of ovulation.
Some women even choose surgery to treat PCOS. However, the side effects may include scar tissue.
A patient always has to weigh their options. This condition does call for treatment, but, as always, a thorough consultation with one’s doctor is a good start. And then, only you can decide what treatment is right for you.
