Definition

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder in women. Characteristics of PCOS are:

• High levels of male hormones (androgens)
• Infertility]]>
• ]]>Obesity]]>
• ]]>Insulin]]> resistance
• Hair growth on face and body
• Anovulation—when the ovaries make few or no eggs

Ovaries make follicles that hold eggs. With PCOS, the ovaries make the follicles, but the eggs do not mature or leave the ovary. The immature follicles can turn into fluid-filled sacs called ]]>cysts]]> . Most women with PCOS have cysts. But women with ovarian cysts do not necessarily have PCOS.

Ovary and Fallopian Tube

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Causes

The cause is unknown. Genes may play a role. The problem might be related to insulin resistance with high levels of insulin. These high insulin levels cause too much androgen from the ovaries. This prevents ovulation and leads to enlarged, polycystic ovaries.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing PCOS. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family members with PCOS
• Age at onset: 15-30 years old

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to PCOS. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Irregular menstrual periods or no menstrual period ( amenorrhea]]> )
• Infertility
• Hair growth on face and body
• Weight gain
• Obesity
• ]]>Acne]]>
• Dark patches of skin on neck, groin, and arm pit

Rarely, symptoms include:

• Deep voice
• Temporal (right or left side of forehead) balding

Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for:

• ]]>Type 2 diabetes]]> due to insulin resistance (also glucose intolerance and prediabetes)
• ]]>Hyperlipidemia]]> —increased fat and cholesterol in the blood
• Overgrowth and thickening of uterine lining—endometrial hyperplasia, a precancerous condition
• ]]>Endometrial cancer]]>
• ]]>High blood pressure]]>
• Heart disease
• ]]>Metabolic syndrome]]> —a combination of obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, ]]>dyslipidemia]]> , and increased tendency to blood clotting and inflammatory states

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will ask questions about your periods and when they first started. The doctor will also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. She will evaluate a range of test results and symptoms:

• Blood tests
  • Androgen–free testosterone, or total testosterone, DHEAS
  • Prolactin and thyroid function tests are often done
  • Fasting blood sugar level and fasting insulin are recommended
  • Fasting lipid profile is recommended

Treatment

Treatment differs according to whether you want to conceive or not. Treatment targets the underlying insulin resistance that accompanies PCOS diagnosis.

Treatment includes:

• Managing symptoms
• Weight loss if overweight, nutrition consultation
• Exercise
• Insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and prediabetes management
  • Use of oral agents such as: Metformin]]> , Glucophage, ]]>Actos]]> , ]]>Avandia]]>
• Oral contraceptive
• Inducing ovulation (if you wish to get pregnant)
  • Metformin with or without ]]>Clomiphene citrate]]>
  • Advanced reproductive technologies
• Preventing complications
• Anti-androgenic medications for blocking future ]]>hirsutism]]> (unwanted hair growth)

Prevention

PCOS can be prevented by recognizing those at risk during their teen years—due to family history, irregular periods, and obesity. It is possible to avoid PCOS if the causes of obesity are addressed successfully, and you follow a special diet and exercises.