2/16/2017 PolycysticOvarianSyndrome:Causes,Symptoms&Diagnosis

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Written by Jaime Herndon

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Medically Reviewed by Steven Kim, MD on August 3, 2015 SHARE
PCOS

Part 1 of 6: Overview

What is polycystic ovarian syndrome

(PCOS)?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition in which a womans
levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are out of balance.
This leads to the growth of ovarian cysts (benign masses on the ovaries).
PCOS can cause problems with a womens menstrual cycle, fertility, cardiac
function, and appearance.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, between 1

in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age suers from PCOS. The
condition currently aects up to 5 million women in the United States.

Part 2 of 6: Causes

What causes PCOS?

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While the exact cause of

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Excess insulin (a hormone that helps convert sugars
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Part 3 of 6: Symptoms

Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS typically start soon after a
woman begins to menstruate. The type and
severity of symptoms varies from person to
person. The most common characteristic of PCOS
is irregular menstrual periods.

Because PCOS is marked by a decrease in female

sex hormones, this condition may cause women to
develop certain male characteristics, such as:
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excess hair on the face, chest, stomach, thumbs, or toes

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While not symptoms of the disease, many women with PCOS have other PCOS
concurrent health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high
cholesterol. These are linked to the weight gain typical in PCOS patients.

Part 4 of 6: Diagnosis

How is PCOS diagnosed?

There is no denitive test for PCOS. To make a
diagnosis, your doctor will review your medical
history and symptoms and perform tests to rule
out other possible conditions. Your doctor will
perform a physical and pelvic examination to look
for signs of PCOS, such as swollen ovaries or a
swollen clitoris.

Blood tests to measure hormone levels are

typically ordered, as well as:

thyroid function tests to determine how much of the thyroid hormone

your body produces
fasting glucose tests to measure your blood sugar levels
lipid level tests to assess the amount of cholesterol in your blood

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A vaginal ultrasound allows your gynecologist to create real time images of

your reproductive organs. A pelvic laparoscopy is a surgical Topics & Tools
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which your doctor makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a tiny
camera to check for growths on your ovaries. If growths are present, your
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Part 5 of 6: Treatment

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the condition to prevent complications. The
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treatment will vary from woman to woman,
depending on specic symptoms. PCOS

A healthy diet and regular exercise is

recommended for all women with PCOS,
particularly those who are overweight. This can
help to regulate your menstrual cycle and lower
your blood glucose levels.

Women who dont want to become pregnant may be prescribed birth control
pills. These can help treat acne, regulate the menstrual cycle, and lower
levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, in the body. If a woman with
PCOS is suering from infertility, fertility drugs may be administered to aid in
ovulation.

Anti-androgens are drugs that reduce male hormone levels. These can help
stop excess hair growth and reduce acne. Diabetes medications may also be
prescribed to lower blood glucose and testosterone levels.

Surgery may be recommended for some women with PCOS. Ovarian drilling
is a procedure in which your doctor punctures your ovary with a small needle
that carries an electric current, in order to destroy part of the ovary. This is a
short-term solution that can promote ovulation and reduce male hormone
levels.

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Part 6 of 6: Complications
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periodically during sleep)
endometrial cancer (cancer caused by PCOS

thickening of the lining of the uterus)

heart attack
diabetes
breast cancer

If you become pregnant, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who
specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Women with PCOS have a higher rate of
miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and premature delivery. They may need
extra monitoring during pregnancy.

The earlier your PCOS is diagnosed and treated, the lower your risk of
developing these complications. Avoiding tobacco products and participating
in regular exercise can also reduce your risk of some of these comorbidities.
Talk with your doctor about what PCOS means for your overall health and
how you can prevent serious complications.

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