Polycystic ovary syndrome: here’s what you need to know

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There is a medical condition that many women face called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that results in the production of high amounts of male sex hormones compared to the usual amount normally produced in a woman’s body.

The condition gets its name from small cysts or fluid-filled sacs that are formed in the ovaries. If a family member such as a mother or sister has had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, you are more likely to have it. So if you have a close female relative who has been diagnosed with PCOS and if you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to check for the condition.

There isn’t a known cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. However, you may be at a higher risk of PCOS if you have some of the more common symptoms, such as insulin resistance, higher androgen levels, and obesity. It is a life-long condition and excessive insulin can increase androgen production and cause difficulty in ovulation. Other possible causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include low-grade inflammation of white blood cells that can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

Multiple Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Menstruation irregularity, large ovaries, multiple ovarian cysts, excessive or thinning body hair, obesity, acne, excessive skin, and dark or thick skin patches are all signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. However, there are diagnoses available and they are necessary to get treatment.

You will need to provide a medical history and have an ultrasound to check blood vessels, tissues, and organs, including the uterus lining. There will be blood tests performed to confirm the levels of androgen and other hormones that may be high. Some doctors may also check blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. There are different PCOS treatment options available.

Treatment With Pregnancy in the Future

There are different treatments and they depend on various factors ranging from the severity of other conditions. These conditions are symptoms, age, and health conditions. It is also vital to consider pregnancy plans. If there is a pregnancy planned for in the future, weight loss using a diet change and exercise may be suggested to make insulin less necessary. Some medications will increase ovulation, but they can cause the birth of twins or more infants. These medications can also cause abdominal bloating and pelvic pain due to ovarian hyperstimulation.

Treatment Without Pregnancy in the Future

If pregnancy is not in the plans, then there are more options. Birth control pills can help with menstruation, acne, and lower androgen levels. Some diabetes medications can lower PCOS insulin resistance, lower androgen levels, decrease hair loss, and regulate ovulation. There are prescription medications to assist with less acne and more hair. There is also the option to increase activity and make diet changes to reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome symptoms.

It may seem difficult to accept all these changes to live with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome but today there are numerous different options from which you can choose. Do not let it decide how you are going to live. If you are looking to get pregnant, there are options available to assist with PCOS. If you just want to control PCOS, there are more options available with fewer restrictions.

You still have to adjust your lifestyle, but there are different ways to make you feel better, such as electrolysis, laser hair removal, cosmetic treatments, and just working out at the gym. Write down all your symptoms and visit your health care provider today to take a step forward to feeling healthy again.

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