PCOS Info.

 

 

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common female endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 5%-10% of all females. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that involves multiple organ systems within the body, and is believed to be fundamentally caused by insensitivity to the hormone insulin. It can be diagnosed in all phases of life - in girls as young as 8-9 years of age, up through post-menopause. Although PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility, the reproductive aspects of the disorder are secondary. PCOS is not limited to women of reproductive age or potential.

Symptoms:

PCOS symptoms tend to start gradually and often start in the early teens. Frequently PCOS symptoms are mistaken for other medical problems. With polycystic ovary syndrome you may have only a few symptoms or many symptoms.

The symptoms of PCOS include, but are not limited to the following:

• irregular or no menstrual periods
• acne
• obesity/weight gain/inability to lose weight
• breathing problems while sleeping
• depression
• oily skin
• infertility
• skin discolorations
• high cholesterol levels
• elevated blood pressure
• excess or abnormal hair growth and distribution
• pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis
• multiple ovarian cysts
• skin tags

It is not necessary to have all of these symptoms to have PCOS. In fact it is not necessary to have "polycystic ovaries" to have PCOS. PCOS manifests itself differently in each woman.

In addition to the above, approximately 60% of women with PCOS have weight management issues which can lead to obesity with only normal caloric intake. Energy in the form of glucose (food) is stored right away as fat, instead of being made available for other functions within the body. This can lead to chronic fatigue and undernourishment, despite the fact that there is adequate food intake and even an appearance of overnourishment. However, it's important to note that 40% of women with PCOS are of normal weight, or even fall under a normal weight range.

There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be successfully managed through diet, exercise, and in some cases medical intervention. Management of PCOS is essential, as unmanaged PCOS can progress to diabetes, and can also lead to certain forms of cancer if unaddressed. Proper management of PCOS often eliminates all symptoms. Some women with managed PCOS are among the healthiest within the population because of their lifestyle choices.

PCOS has also been called Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, historically. The name "polycystic ovarian syndrome" or "polycystic ovary syndrome" is a poor descriptor of the condition, however attempts to arrive at a consensus on renaming the condition have failed so far.


Myths about PCOS:
Women with PCOS cannot have children. FALSE
Women who have had children cannot have PCOS. FALSE
Hysterectomy cures PCOS. FALSE
A woman must have polycystic ovaries to be diagnosed with PCOS. FALSE
A women who has polycystic ovaries definitely has PCOS. FALSE
Birth control pills cure PCOS. FALSE
If a woman doesn't want to have children (or more children), she I doesn't have to worry about PCOS management. FALSE
If a woman passes a glucose tolerance test, she doesn't have insulin resistance or PCOS. FALSE

PCOS Medical Treatments:

 

PCOSupport advocates for the overall treatment of PCOS as an underlying hormonal condition that causes some or many symptoms. They support the treatment of symptoms, but stress that it is important not to treat only the symptoms without addressing the underlying hormonal issues. Treatment of symptoms only, can be a mask for the serious condition that exists beneath the surface. The root of the problem must be addressed to avoid progression of PCOS to frank diabetes, endometrial cancer, or other threatening illnesses.
They recommend that you consult with a medical practitioner that is well-versed in not only symptomatic treatment, but also knowledgeable about the cause. A team approach is suggested. A medical endocrinologist ideally leads this team, coordinating with an ob/gyn or reproductive endocrinologist, dermatologist, nutrition specialist, exercise physiologist and aesthetician. Other combinations of medical practitioners may also be successful, depending upon your individual needs.

When needed, a variety of medications and surgical therapies may typically used. They recommend that you consult with your medical team to determine the best plan for you.

Comprehensive Treatments

• Insulin Sensitizers: Metformin (Glucophage), Glitazones (Rosiglitazone/Avandia, Pioglitazone/Actos)

Symptomatic Treatments:

• Anti-Androgens: Spironolactone (Aldactone), Cyproterone acetate, Flutamide (Eulexin), Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar)
• Anti-Obesity Drugs: Orlistat (Xenical), Sibutramine (Meridia)
• Fertility agents: Clomiphene citrate (Clomid, Serophene), Gonadotropin injections, hCG (human choriuionic goinadotropin), GnRH Lutrepulse
• Pregnancy: IVF (in-vitro fertilization)
• Steroid hormones: Oral contraceptives (birth control pills), Progesterone (bioidentical), Estrogens, and Corticosteroids
• Surgery: Ovarian drilling, Oophorectomy and hysterectomy

Non-Western Treatments:

• Acupuncture, Chinese medicine