Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or simply PCOS, is a hormonal disorder among women. It affects women of reproductive age and is one of the top causes of infertility.  It is characterized by the presence of excessive body and facial hair, irregular menstrual cycles and polycystic ovaries. Polycystic translates to ‘many cysts’ and PCOS is exactly like that. Women with PCOS have clusters of pearl-sized cysts in their ovaries.

Up to this day, the cause of this disorder remains unknown. There are studies that suggest women with PCOS have insulin resistance, or decreased sensitivity to the hormone that facilitates the body’s use of sugar from carbohydrates.  When the cells resist the effects of insulin, a consequence is the production of more insulin by the pancreas. In turn, the overproduction of insulin can make the ovaries produce an abundance of male hormones. This triggers a hormonal imbalance that can worsen the symptoms of PCOS.

Symptoms

One of the most prevalent symptoms of PCOS is the absence or irregularity of menstrual cycles. Women who go through nine or fewer menstrual periods a year are usually diagnosed with the syndrome. Bleeding is also heavier amongst those who have the hormonal disorder.

PCOS also causes the unwanted growth of fine hairs on a woman’s face, making it darker and heavier. Increased hair growth is common in other parts of the body like the arms and legs.  It can also cause thinning hair.

Women with PCOS also gain weight rather easily. They are also prone to skin problems like acne on the face, back, and chest, and skin tags found in the neck or armpits. Skin problems of women with PCOS also include darkening of the skin around the groin, neck, and underarms.

Complications

Women with PCOS are at risk for serious health conditions like diabetes. It is estimated that three out of 10 women with PCOS are prone to insulin resistance. This could trigger diabetes, a disorder wherein there is too much glucose present in the bloodstream.

Women with PCOS are also at higher risk for heart diseases and stroke. This is due to the fact that they have higher levels of the bad cholesterol in the body.  Another complication of PCOS is cancer of the uterus, especially if the syndrome is left untreated.

PCOS may also cause women to experience sleep apnea. This is a sleeping disorder wherein the patient suffers from fleeting interruptions of breathing during sleep. This can cause snoring and lack of sleep that can result to drowsiness during the day. This problem may seem simple but can be life threatening when left untreated, as it can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Diagnosis and Treatment

There is no specific test to diagnose PCOS. Doctors will have to delve into the patient’s medical history by asking question about the frequency of menstrual periods and weight changes. The patient will also be subjected to a physical examination and pelvic examination to inspect for signs of abnormalities and growths on the patient’s reproductive organs.

Blood tests may also be ordered, as well a pelvic ultrasound to find out the appearance of the ovaries as well as the thickness of the uteral lining.

Treatment

Treatment should be given right away to a person diagnosed to have PCOS. However, treatment focuses on the relief of the symptoms. There is still no cure for PCOS.

For example, birth control pills may be given to help in regulating abnormal menstrual cycles. These oral contraceptives can also lower androgen levels, thereby reducing the growth of abnormal hair and reducing acne. It can also be instrumental in preventing the build-up of the uteral lining and decreasing the risks of uterine cancer.

Metformin is a drug that is commonly prescribed for women with PCOS. This drug lowers the androgen levels in the body and helps the body utilize insulin.  Mainly used as a treatment for diabetes, Metformin treats the symptoms of PCOS such as irregular menstrual cycle and improves the metabolism of women.

For women with PCOS who want to get pregnant, several treatment options may be given to induce ovulation. This includes Clomiphene citrate that is taken for five days. Or  gonadotropins maybe injected to stimulate ovulation.

For excessive hair caused by the syndrome, treatment methods may range from the use of depilatory creams to bleaching.

Prevention

Proper nutrition is an essential part of PCOS treatment. Women with PCOS are advised to eat foods that are rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Exercise is also equally important, as it can assist the body in utilizing insulin in a more efficient way.  Researches have shown that exercising at least half an hour a day can ward off the symptoms of PCOS.

Women with PCOS are also encouraged to monitor their cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and blood pressure to lessen the risks of diabetes and heart related diseases.