Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

{sidebar id=25}What is it?

As the word ‘polycystic’ suggests, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a condition in which the ovaries develop multiple cysts. Cysts are a normal part of the maturation of the egg during the ovulation cycle. For up to 10% of women this for some reason goes wrong. The eggs and cysts develop normally, but for some reason the cyst never opens to release the egg into the fallopian tubes. The egg and cyst are retained in the ovaries forming and retaining new cysts with each ovulation cycle.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

The most common symptom is that of infertility. This seems a logical ailment since the eggs are never exposed for fertilization. The menstrual cycle is also altered in other ways like irregular or prolonged periods with lots PMS symptoms bloating, mood swings and pain in back or abdomen, irregular ovulation and painful sex.

There are other symptoms too that make a less clear connection to the reproductive system such as: Weight problems, High insulin levels, androgynous effects (male type hair growth like on face, hair loss), Skin problems oily, acne, Skin tags and depression.

Symptoms can vary widely both in type and severity from woman to woman and getting an accurate diagnosis can be tricky.

Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

What then is going on in the body that can wreak such wide spread havoc? The simple and documented answer is that and endocrine disorder is the sole cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This is why symptoms are so variable and spread across bodily systems.

Find relief

It is important to contact your doctor if you suspect you may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Like the symptoms treatment options are varied. The course of treatment you and your doctor pursue will depend on what your goals and desires. For example if lowering insulin levels is your main concern then lifestyle changes and insulin controlling medication may be the best course of action. This would not however restore fertility, which would require completely different medication as well as possible surgical procedures.

What ever your treatment options discuss them with your doctor and you are likely to get the result you want. While Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is treatable there is currently no cure, but you can get the relief you need.