Post by Jana on Sept 27, 2004 15:27:28 GMT -5
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
The ovaries are the organs that produce the eggs in the female reproductive system. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome in which the ovaries are enlarged and have several fluid-filled sacs or cysts. These cysts may look like a string of pearls or a pearl necklace. A woman can develop one cyst or many cysts. Polycystic ovaries are usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal. Women with PCOS may experience a number of other symptoms as well. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is the most common reproductive syndrome in women of childbearing age.
How many women have PCOS?
An estimated five to 10% of women of childbearing age have PCOS (ages 20-40). At least 30% of women have some symptoms of PCOS.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Eggs grow, develop, and mature in the ovaries and then are released during ovulation, part of the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries when the follicles (sacs) on the ovary that contain the egg mature, but do not release the egg into the fallopian tube where it would be fertilized.
Is it possible to have PCOS without having cysts?
This is an area of disagreement among medical professionals. While most women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, some doctors will diagnose a woman with PCOS based on other physical symptoms or hormone abnormalities.
What are the other symptoms of PCOS?
Some of the other symptoms of PCOS include:
Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding;
Infrequent or no ovulation;
Increased serum levels of male hormones, such as testosterone;
Inability to get pregnant within six to 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse (infertility);
Pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months;
Weight gain or obesity;
Diabetes, over-production of insulin, and inefficient use of insulin in the body;
Abnormal lipid levels (such as high or low cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides);
High blood pressure (over 140/90);
Excess growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes;
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair;
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff;
Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds; and
Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area.
What causes PCOS?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS, but studies are looking at whether it is caused by genetics. Also, because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to produce insulin. There is a lot of evidence that high levels of insulin contribute to increased production of androgen, which worsens the symptoms of PCOS. Lastly, the medication valproate, used to treat seizures may cause or worsen the symptoms of PCOS. Switching medications seems to help the condition.
The ovaries are the organs that produce the eggs in the female reproductive system. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a syndrome in which the ovaries are enlarged and have several fluid-filled sacs or cysts. These cysts may look like a string of pearls or a pearl necklace. A woman can develop one cyst or many cysts. Polycystic ovaries are usually 1.5 to 3 times larger than normal. Women with PCOS may experience a number of other symptoms as well. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility and is the most common reproductive syndrome in women of childbearing age.
How many women have PCOS?
An estimated five to 10% of women of childbearing age have PCOS (ages 20-40). At least 30% of women have some symptoms of PCOS.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Eggs grow, develop, and mature in the ovaries and then are released during ovulation, part of the monthly menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries when the follicles (sacs) on the ovary that contain the egg mature, but do not release the egg into the fallopian tube where it would be fertilized.
Is it possible to have PCOS without having cysts?
This is an area of disagreement among medical professionals. While most women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, some doctors will diagnose a woman with PCOS based on other physical symptoms or hormone abnormalities.
What are the other symptoms of PCOS?
Some of the other symptoms of PCOS include:
Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding;
Infrequent or no ovulation;
Increased serum levels of male hormones, such as testosterone;
Inability to get pregnant within six to 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse (infertility);
Pelvic pain that lasts longer than six months;
Weight gain or obesity;
Diabetes, over-production of insulin, and inefficient use of insulin in the body;
Abnormal lipid levels (such as high or low cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides);
High blood pressure (over 140/90);
Excess growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes;
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair;
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff;
Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, groin, underarms, or skin folds; and
Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area.
What causes PCOS?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS, but studies are looking at whether it is caused by genetics. Also, because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to produce insulin. There is a lot of evidence that high levels of insulin contribute to increased production of androgen, which worsens the symptoms of PCOS. Lastly, the medication valproate, used to treat seizures may cause or worsen the symptoms of PCOS. Switching medications seems to help the condition.