27/01/2013
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Signs Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
(PCOS, POS, POD, Stein-Leventhal Syndrome)
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) At A Glance
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an illness characterized by irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth.
• Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• With proper treatment, risks can be minimized. Ideal treatment is directed to each of the manifestations of PCOS.
Medical Author:
Dr. Piyush Goyal, MD
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Date – 27th January 2013
What is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms. It should be noted that most women with the condition have a number of small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS occurs in 5% to 10% of women and is the most common cause of infertility in women.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
The principal signs and symptoms of PCOS are related to menstrual disturbances and elevated levels of male hormones (androgens). Menstrual disturbances can include delay of normal menstruation(primary amenorrhea), the presence of fewer than normal menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea), or the absence of menstruation for more than three months (secondary amenorrhea). Menstrual cycles may not be associated with ovulation (anovulatory cycles) and may result in heavy bleeding.
Symptoms related to elevated androgen levels include acne, excess hair growth on the body (hirsutism), and male-pattern hair loss.
Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
• Obesity and weight gain,
• Elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance
• Oily skin,
• Dandruff,
• Infertility,
• Skin discolorations,
• High cholesterol levels,
• Elevated blood pressure, and
• Multiple, small cysts in the ovaries.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PCOS is generally made on the basis of clinical signs and symptoms as discussed above.
Laboratory tests can be helpful in making the diagnosis of PCOS. Serum levels of male hormones (DHEA and testosterone) may be elevated.. Additionally, levels of a hormone released by the pituitary gland in the brain (LH) that is involved in ovarian hormone production are elevated.
What conditions or complications can be associated with PCOS?
Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer).
Infertility
Because of the menstrual and hormonal irregularities, infertility is common in women with PCOS.
Menstrual Irregularity
Because of the lack of ovulation, progesterone secretion in women with PCOS is diminished, leading to long-term unopposed estrogen stimulation of the uterine lining. This situation can lead to abnormal periods, breakthrough bleeding, or prolonged uterine bleeding in some women.
Obesity
Obesity is associated with PCOS. Obesity not only compounds the problem of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (see below), but it also imparts cardiovascular risks. PCOS and obesity are associated with a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms, including high blood pressure, that increase the chances of developing cardiovascular disease.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Changes in skin pigmentation can also occur with PCOS. Acanthosis Nigricans refers to the presence of velvety, brown to black pigmentation often seen on the neck, under the arms, or in the groin.
What treatments are available for PCOS?
Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life. For younger women who desire birth control, the birth control pill, especially those with low androgenic (male hormone-like) side effects can cause regular periods and prevent the risk of uterine cancer. Another option is intermittent therapy with the hormone progesterone. Progesterone therapy will induce menstrual periods and reduce the risk of uterine cancer, but will not provide contraceptive protection.
For acne or excess hair growth, a water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone (Aldactone) may be prescribed to help reverse these problems.
Eflornithine (Vaniqa) is a cream medication that can be used to slow facial hair growth in women. Electrolysis and over-the-counter depilatory creams are other options for controlling excess hair growth.
For women who desire pregnancy, a medication called clomiphene (Clomid) can be used to induce ovulation (cause egg production).
Weight Loss can normalize menstrual cycles and often increases the possibility of pregnancy in women with PCOS.
Metformin (Glucophage) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.
PCO Drilling, a surgical procedure known as ovarian drilling can help induce ovulation in women who have not responded to other treatments for PCOS. In this procedure a small portion of ovarian tissue is drilled by an electric current delivered through a needle inserted into the o***y.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) At A Glance
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an illness characterized by irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth.
• Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• With proper treatment, risks can be minimized. Ideal treatment is directed to each of the manifestations of PCOS.
Contributed by
Dr. Piyush S. Goyal MD
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist.
Laparoscopic Surgeon & Infertility Specialist, Urogynaecologist
Womb Healthcare
Agarwal Nursing Home
74, Anne Villa, Junction of 14th & 30th Road, Near Saint Theresa High School.
Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050, Call - 02226455124, 02226455125
Email – drpiyushgoyal@gmail.com