WHAT IS PCOS? Polycystic ovary pattern( PCOS) is a common endocrine and reproductive complaint among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have occasional or prolonged menstrual periods or redundant manly hormone( androgen) situations. …
WHAT IS PCOS?
WHAT IS PCOS?
Polycystic ovary pattern( PCOS) is a common endocrine and reproductive complaint among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have occasional or prolonged menstrual periods or redundant manly hormone( androgen) situations. The ovaries may develop multitudinous small collections of fluid( follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs.
What is the cause for PCOS?
The cause of polycystic ovary pattern is n’t well understood, but may involve a combination of inheritable and environmental factors.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later.
- Irregular periods– Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles or sometimes fewer than eight periods a year or none at all.
- Excess hair growth on face, chest and back. Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.
- Acne
- Male pattern baldness
- Hair loss
- Raised, velvety brown discoloration over the nape of neck, underarms, elbows, groins and under the breasts
- Weight gain
How PCOS affects the body?
Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later.
- Infertility
- Miscarriage or premature birth
- Metabolic syndrome –includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, abnormal cholesterol levels. All these increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke
- Sleep apnea, which is more common in overweight women
- Depression and anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Endometrial cancer
Can women get pregnant with PCOS?
Yes, women who have PCOS are able to become pregnant.
This includes
- Preconception counselling
- Ovulation induction agents
- Medications can help the ovaries to release eggs normally. They can increase the chance for a multiple birth (twins or more). And they can cause ovarian hyperstimulation, occurs when the ovaries release too many hormones. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.
- Clomiphene citrate – it is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Dose : 50mg/day for 5 days from day 2/3
- Letrozole
- Gonadotrophins
- Insulin sensitizing agents
- Associated with a reduction in serum androgen levels and gonadotropins
- These are proposed as the therapy of choice for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), since insulin resistance and associated hyperinsulinemia are recognized as important pathogenetic factors of the syndrome
- They are metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone and inositol
- Other adjuncts for improvement in metabolic function
- N-Acetyl cysteine – decreases insulin and cholesterol, increases ovulation rate and pregnancy rates
- Vitamin D supplementation – beneficial effects on insulin resistance, decreases androgen levels and improves ovulation
- Anti-oxidants : omega-3 fatty acids, chromium, zinc and soy phytoestrogens
- Corticosteroids: decreases androgen levels. Dexamethasone or prednisone are used
- L-Methylfolate
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