What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is an exceedingly common reproductive disorder. It affects approximately 10% of women in the reproductive age and the majority of them don’t even know that they have it. It is one of the leading causes of infertility in women, however is is a treatable condition and can be treated with medications (natural & conventional), changes in diet and exercise.
Sometimes Polycystic Ovarian Symdrome can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can vary from women to women.
What Are the Symptoms of PCOS?
The most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular menstural cycles. Other symptoms also include:
Evidence of extra male hormones (determined by clinical examination and blood tests)
Numerous cysts found on the ovaries (which can be found through an ultrasound)
Obesity
Insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans
borderline diabeties
excess hair on the face and body
infertility
acne
skin tags
thinning of hair on the scalp
pelvic discomfort
High blood pressure
How is PCOS diagnosed?
Many doctors diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome based on the symptoms listed above; however, a confirmed diagnosis requires blood testing for a variety of hormones which are produced by the ovaries, as well as the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland. A complete evaluation for the syndrome also includes a full physical examination and laboratory testing for cholesterol, trygliceride, glucose, and insulin. A reproductive endocrinologist is the most qualified doctor to accurately diagnose PCOS.
What treatments are available for women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Treatment of PCOS depends on the symptoms that are being experienced by the individual woman and whether fertility is an issue. If the women is not interested in becoming pregnant, oral contraceptives are effective for regulating menstrual cycles; reducing the level of male hormones; and minimizing the risks of uterine cancer.
Other common treatments for the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:
Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
Progestins (synthetic progesterones)
Oral contraceptives
Insulin-sensitizing anti-diabetes drugs like metformin
Anti-androgens
GnRH analogs
Fertility therapy with ovulation-inducing drugs
Surgical therapy
If you would like to learn about how to cure PCOS and your ovarian cysts with a great natural treatment plan, please visit http://Ovarian-Cyst-Relief.com
Until next time,
-Julie