Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms (PCOS)

About Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms vary amongst females and in case your not aware, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also called Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a woman’s condition where there are several small ovarian cysts. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms, rather than the actual cysts, that help doctors recognize, diagnose and treat PCOS.

Five to ten percent of the women who suffer infertility do so because of PCOS. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms typically appear in older women, though the condition may begin as early as menstruation begins in adolescents. PCOS and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms can affect women of all races.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms Can Include The Following

Symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles and higher than normal levels of androgens, or male hormones. Menstrual irregularities can come in a number of forms with PCOS including missed periods, late starts and heavy bleeding.

In addition, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms may include acne, excessive hair growth, or even hair loss as is typical only with men. Each of these are most often caused by the increased androgen levels.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms might include such other things as diabetes or high insulin levels, dandruff, discolorations on the skin or excessively oily skin, higher than normal cholesterol and blood pressure, weight gain or obesity as well as the cysts on the ovaries.

These Symptoms and Menstrual Irregularities

Even if most of these Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms do not appear, there will always be menstrual cycle irregularities, either with no periods or erratic ones. Typically, those who suffer from PCOS do not ovulate regularly, which is the reason for the infertility.

Researchers are unsure of the exact causes of PCOS; however, they believe that it can be both inherited or environmental. Some Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms appear in women who have a mother or sibling with the condition, but research is inconclusive to date to determine the role this plays on a woman showing the signs of PCOS.

At times, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms include insulin resistance or increased insulin levels, both caused by a malfunction of the blood sugar control system. Researchers believe these issues could be related to a woman developing PCOS since the increase in androgens (male hormones) is often considered relative to the body’s abnormal insulin production.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms and Other Conditions

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms display themselves in a number of ways that mimic other conditions or illnesses such as hormonal imbalances, ovarian or adrenal gland tumors, or even acne that is unrelated to PCOS. As such the doctor will typically perform tests to determine male hormone levels, take ultrasounds, CT scans or MRIs to diagnose PCOS.

Once a diagnosis is made based on the symptoms, treatment will depend on a woman’s age, her desire to bear children, and other factors. Often birth control pills can be used to treat PCOS, as can hormone therapy or other medication.

With proper diagnosis and treatment, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms as well as the resulting health risks can be minimized or eliminated.

Treatment that is designed to alleviate each of the manifestations, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms, is the most successful and surest way to eliminate the condition itself.

Tags: PCOS, polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms