Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is one of the most common female endocrine disorder manifested obesity, Hirsutism (excessive facial or body hair), Alopecia (male pattern hair loss) irregular menstruation, acne associated with enlarged ovaries, Acanthosis Nigricans (brown skin patches), high cholesterol levels, exhaustion or lack of mental alertness, decreased sex drive, excess male hormones and infertility. Other symptoms can include sleep apnea (breathing difficulties during sleeping), thyroid disorders and depression and anxiety.. This complex disorder is characterised by excessive androgen production by the ovaries which interferes with the growth of the ovarian follicles.
1.Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome The cause of PCOS is uncommon. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in PCOS. Genes are thought to be one factor. Women with PCOS tend to have their mothers or sisters affected with PCOS
2. How common is the syndrome among urban women. Any statistics. Which age group is mainly affected
PCOS is commonly found amongst urban women. The incidence varies from 1 out of 10 women, more common amongst infertile women. It is prevalent in young reproductive period. PCOS are caused by imbalance in the hormones in our brain and ovaries. Many women have higher than normal levels of insulin. PCOS usually happens when a hormone called LH or levels of insulin are too high, which result in extra testosterone production by the ovary.
3. What are the early symptoms that women should watch out for PCOS
Not all women with PCOS have the same symptoms, some of the symptoms are:
• irregular menstrual period / no periods
• infertility
• Increase hair growth on the face, chest, stomach – this condition is called hirutism
• Acne, oily skin or excessive dandruff
• excessive weight gain or obesity
• male pattern baldness or thinning or patching of hair
• dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts or thighs which is called Acanthosis Nigricans
4. Are women with PCOS more prone to developing diabetes
Women with PCOS have great chances of developing type II diabetes. More than 50% of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 40
5. What is the treatment procedure
There is no specific cure for PCOS. It needs to be managed to prevent the problem
Birth Control pill:
For women who does not want to get pregnant birth control pill can control menstrual cycle, it may reduce male hormone levels and help to clear acne. Only progestrogen pill or better known as mini pill, can be taken.
Metformin -a drug which is used to treat diabetes is found to help women with PCOS symptoms. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after few months of use
If a woman wants to get pregnant – lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problem in PCOS. Several medication that stimulate ovulation can help women PCOS to get pregnant. For most patient Clomiphene Civate is the first choice of therapy to stimulate ovulation. If this fails Metformin is taken with Clomiphene is usually tried
Gonadotropin can also be used to stimulate ovulation. These are given as injection.
For hair growth or extra male hormone – anti androgen may reduce hair growth and clear acne. Spironolactone (Aldactone) has been used to reduce the impact of male hormone
Anti androgens are often combined with oral contraceptives
Incidence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) accounts for 90% of women with oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods) and 30% of women with amenorrhoea (absent of periods) and over 70% of women with anovulation.
Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy allows direct inspection of the ovaries; the ovaries are enlarged and polycystic. However, polycystic ovaries may appear normal at laparoscopy.
Vaginal ultrasound scan (better than abdominal)
The vaginal ultrasound may show the typical PCOS appearance but reliability varies with expertise.
Surgical Treatment
Ovarian drilling – is a surgery that brings in ovulation. It is done when a women does not respond to fertility medicines. This is done through laparoscopy. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and in ovation. But these affects may only last for few months.
Lifestyle Modification
Keeping a healthy weight by eating healthy food and exercise is another way of helping to manage PCOS. Many women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Even a 10% loss in body weight can restore a normal period and make a women’s cycle more regular.
Posted in Fortis Patients Initiatives, Patient Education, Patient Initiative |