Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of this Hormonal Imbalance Disorder
Aug 15, 2009
Many women have cysts in their ovaries. A cyst may form following ovulation, or when an egg begins to mature but is not released, and in most cases they cause few or no problems. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is diagnosed when a woman has many ovarian cysts, infrequent or no periods, and high levels of androgen hormones, particularly testosterone.
What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances, though the reason for these imbalances is unclear. The male and female sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen, are present in both men and women, with testosterone dominant in men and oestrogen dominant in women. In PCOS, excessive production of testosterone upsets this balance, disrupting the function of the ovaries and leading to various problems.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS develops during puberty, though some women do not experience symptoms until their 20s or even later. The pattern and severity of the symptoms varies between individuals.
- Women with PCOS have irregular periods or no periods at all.
- PCOS interferes with ovulation, so affected women have reduced fertility.
- Depression is common in PCOS.
- The increased testosterone levels can cause acne.
- High testosterone may also lead to hirsutism (growth of facial hair) and male-pattern baldness.
- Weight gain is a vicious circle in PCOS – the hormonal imbalances can cause obesity, which leads to increased production of insulin, which is thought to further disrupt ovarian function. Women who become overweight are at greater risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS cannot be cured, but its effects can be reduced.
- Weight loss is crucial for PCOS sufferers who are obese. In some women, weight loss alone is enough to correct the hormonal imbalances, restore menstruation, increase fertility, and improve acne and hair growth.
- If lifestyle and diet changes do not increase fertility, hormone therapy may be used to stimulate ovulation.
- Metformin, a drug used in the treatment of diabetes, may improve ovarian function (Lord et al. BMJ 2003; 327: 951–3).
- Standard treatments for acne are generally successful in PCOS.
- Excessive facial hair may respond to medical therapy, or can be removed by plucking or by permanent methods such as electrolysis.
Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Any woman who is concerned that she may have PCOS should consult her doctor. He or she will be able to arrange an ultrasound scan to detect cysts in the ovaries and blood tests for hormonal abnormalities. A positive diagnosis is usually followed by referral to a PCOS specialist, who will advise on available treatments.
References
BBC Health. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Accessed 15-08-09
Franks S. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Medicine 2005; 33(11): 38–40.
Verity. Accessed 15-08-09
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
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