what is polycystic ovary syndrome, is there any linked illnesses, how should you treat it?
How can I get rid of the hiccups?
Answers:
Both girls and guys produce hormones called androgens (pronounced: an-druh-junz), which play a role in sexual function. Although androgens are sometimes referred to as male hormones, every female produces them, too.
In girls with PCOS, the ovaries produce higher than normal amounts of androgens, and this can interfere with egg development and release. Some of the eggs develop into cysts (pronounced: sists), which are little sacs filled with liquid. Instead of being released during ovulation, as an egg is during a normal menstrual cycle, the cysts build up in the ovaries and may become enlarged. Because of the way the cyst production interferes with the menstrual cycle, it's common for girls and women with PCOS to have irregular or missed periods.
If PCOS is not treated properly, it can put a girl at risk for lots of problems, such as infertility, excessive hair growth, acne, diabetes, heart disease, abnormal bleeding from the uterus, and cancer. The good news is that, although there's no cure for PCOS, it can be treated.
The recommended treatment is weight loss (if the patient is overweight) and medications, including birth control pills or antiandrogens.
You can read more about this syndrome at the following links: http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/pcos_p3.html
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm
How can I estimate the number of calories I burn for each miles I run?
Other Answers:
Polycystic ovary disease is characterized by enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, an abnormally high number of follicles at various states of maturation, and a thick, scarred capsule surrounding each ovary.
Polycystic ovary disease is an endocrine disorder, which means normal hormone cycles are disrupted. Hormones direct many functions throughout the body. For example, hormones regulate reproductive functions, including the normal development of ova (eggs) in the ovaries. It is not completely understood why or how hormone cycles are disrupted, although there are several working theories.
In polycystic ovary disease, under-developed follicles accumulate in the ovaries. Follicles are sacs within the ovaries that contain ova. The ova in these follicles fail to mature and, therefore, cannot be released from the ovaries. Instead, they accumulate as cysts in the ovary. This can contribute to infertility. The lack of follicular maturation and inability to ovulate are likely caused by low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones) produced in the ovary.
Insulin resistance also seems to be a key feature in polycystic ovarian syndrome. In addition to other hormones, insulin helps regulate ovarian function. When someone is insulin resistant, this means that cells throughout the body do not readily respond to insulin circulating in the blood. For this reason, the amount of insulin remains high in the blood (called hyperinsulinemia). High levels of insulin can contribute to lack of ovulation, high androgen levels, infertility, and early pregnancy loss. (There is a high incidence with Type II diabetes comorbid with PCOS)
Polycystic ovaries are two to five times larger than normal ovaries, and they have a white, thick, tough outer covering. Women are usually diagnosed when in their 20s or 30s.
Many women with polycystic ovary disease have irregular menses and may have scanty menstruation (oligomenorrhea) or no menses at all (amenorrhea).
Women diagnosed with this disorder frequently have a mother or sister with similar symptoms commonly associated with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Conception is frequently possible with proper surgical or medical treatments. Following conception, pregnancy is usually uneventful.
Medications used to treat the symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include birth control pills, spironolactone, flutamide, and clomiphene citrate. Treatment with clomiphene induces the pituitary gland to produce more FSH, which in turn stimulates maturity and release of the ova. Occasionally, more potent ovulation induction agents (fertility drugs, human menopausal gonadotropins) are needed for pregnancy.
Weight reduction, which may be very difficult, is also very important. For those with polycystic ovaries who are overweight, weight loss can reduce insulin resistance, stimulate ovulation, and improve fertility rates. Sometimes, part of the treatment for polycystic ovaries is use of insulin sensitizing medication like metformin.
Source(s):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000369.htm
When a woman asks are you wearing that? What is she really saying?
Dr. John Lee's book What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about PreMenopause references PCOS briefly and suggests the body becomes progesterone deficient because no eggs are released. Natural progesterone cream may help bring the body's hormones back into balance.More Questions and Answers
- How much comes out when a guy has an O?
- what is the ideal diet to reduce weight?
- What's to be mad at?
- my husband is 53 yearlold having itchy arms and legs. what kind of disease is this? thank you.?
- Can sitting on the top of a microwave while it's running have any effect on my birth control pills?
- What if you took a bipolar test on the internet and it says that you need to see a doctor, should you or not?
- how can i keep my eyeliner on all day without it smudging?
- What is the best curling iron for thick hair that doesn't do anything?