Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder of women in their reproductive years. PCOS affects 5-10% of these patients. Some of the classic symptoms are

• Irregular periods
• Hair growth in a male body pattern
• Weight gain

It is important to note that 40% of women with PCOS are thin and 30% do not have excess hair, so symptom's are not always the best way to diagnose the condition. PCOS is often part of a metabolic syndrome that involves risks for diabetes, elevated cholesterol and/or triglycerides, cardiovascular disease, as well as uterine pre-cancer and infertility.

PCO Treatments

Some of the treatment of PCOS involves weight loss (if applicable), optimizing general health (including improvement in diabetes risk, blood pressure and evaluating for uterine pre-cancer risk) and ovulation induction.

Ovulation induction may be achieved by

• Fertility medications
• Weight loss
• Laparascopic ovarian surgery (ovarian drilling)

Recently, Metformin has shown promise in restoring ovulation and improving egg and embryo quality in PCOS patients, as well as reducing their risk of miscarriage and pregnancy-induced diabetes.

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Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written on this site. No health information on this website should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor.