Sunday, May 19, 2013

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

By Kasehehr Caferir


A lot of women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) this occurs when about twelve cysts start growing in the ovary, the ovaries star producing more testosterone than is necessary this makes ovulation quite erratic and it may even stop menstruation altogether, this is because the follicles in the ovaries are not developed. Many women have polycystic ovarian cysts and about one in four have polycystic ovaries, these symptoms are mild and these women do not produce much testosterone so ovulation and menstruation still take place. One in ten women however are not so lucky and develop full blow polycystic ovary syndrome.

Many factors come into play and are believed to be the cause polycystic ovary syndrome, a few are, deficiencies in insulin, obesity and heredity. Insulin is made in the pancreas it controls blood sugar levels. Insulin however, can cause the body to start producing excessive amounts of the hormone testosterone. PCOS often creates a resistance to insulin. This resistance makes the body start to aggressively produce more insulin, this interferes with the development of follicles in the ovary. This is what effectively stops ovulation and menstruation from taking place. The natural effect of all of this is that conception cannot take place or it makes it difficult to take place. There is often excessive growth of hair on the body on the arms, legs and even on the face. This increase in insulin also causes weight gain.

PCOS may be inherited as it has been known to run in families. Being a bit overweight can also cause the condition to worsen. Excess weight may increase resistance to insulin compounding the problem of increased insulin production.

The symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome are listed below:

1. Irregular periods are a feature of this condition, some women menstruate and some do not menstruate at all. In fact up to seventy percent of those who suffer from endometriosis have problems with the regularity of their period.

2. Women with PCOS do not ovulate and of course women must ovulate in order to become pregnant.

3. Women with PCOS often have facial hair, chest and abdominal hair.

4. Acne may also occur and the hair may start thinning resembling that of men who are about to go bald.

There are many varied treatments, these include lifestyle and diet changes if the patient is obese. There may also be the administration of hormone through the use of birth control pills that contain the hormone progesterone. Diabetes medication which slows down the production of insulin may also be used as well as fertility drugs such as Clomid.




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