Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a health disease directly linked to a woman’s ovulation and her ability to get pregnant. PCOS causes fluid-filled sacs (cysts), which develop on a woman’s ovaries, which interrupt the functioning / ovulation of the ovaries.
The exact cause of PCOS is unidentified; it could be both hereditary and a person’s lifestyle. The syndrome causes abnormal reproductive functions, viz. irregular menstrual cycle and fertility. It can also cause skin problem, obesity diabetes, dandruff, acne, lipid abnormality, excess facial hair growth and increased male hormone. A female who has been diagnosed with it is at high risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and has larger ovary size than normal.
Irregular menstrual cycles and difficulty in conceiving are among the most common symptoms. Affected women often have enlarged ovaries and, when menses does occur, prolonged bleeding may happen.
There is no definitive test for diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Some tests are done to diagnose the signs of PCOS. Blood tests for hormone level, thyroid test, glucose test for blood sugar level, lipid test for cholesterol and physical pelvic test.
Over the time more cysts or swollen follicles may form which can be examined through ultrasound for better view of ovarian cyst. Cysts associated with PCOS often resemble a pearl necklace, which is why they are often called a “string of pearls.”
Female with few or no ovarian cysts may be diagnosed with PCOS, if she has any two of the following conditions:
It is important that an accurate diagnosis be provided for proper treatment to be received. When PCOS is left untreated, it can result in a number of health issues, viz. endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, high blood pressure, Type II diabetes, high cholesterol and even heart disease.
The cure of PCOS highly depends on how successful a person is in controlling its symptoms. The treatment varies from one patient to another and entirely depends on the particular symptoms one is having. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for obese women. It would regulate the menstrual cycle and will lower the blood glucose levels. For infertility problem, fertility drugs would help in ovulation. Anti-androgens drugs decrease male hormone levels, which prevents excess hair growth and lessen acne.
Females with awful condition of polycystic ovaries and periods irregularities usually require treatment for conceiving in the form of medication, ovulation induction, IVF (In Vitro fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination). The advanced technology of IVF/ IUI has resolved the problem of infertility and brought hope for the childless couples and a step closer towards motherhood.
