Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Treatment Key to Maintaining Good Health
When your ovaries fail to properly produce hormones, it can affect you from head to toe. Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is the most common hormonal problem in women of childbearing age. The condition often is accompanied by other health problems, and can make it hard to get pregnant.
PCOS occurs when faulty hormone levels prevent normal egg development in the ovaries. Frequently, the undeveloped eggs turn into tiny fluid-filled sacs, or cysts.
Symptoms Are Wide-Ranging
Signs of the condition include:- irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- acne
- weight gain
- hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
- pelvic pain
- oily skin
- dandruff
- thinning hair
- patches of thick dark-brown or black skin on neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- excessive snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep.
The cause of PCOS is unknown, but it may run in families. Women who are overweight also are likelier to develop the condition. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis because women with PCOS have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular problems that may lead to heart attack and stroke. PCOS also can increase a woman’s risk of cancer of the uterine lining.
Medications, Diet, and Exercise Can Help
If you suspect you have PCOS, see a doctor for a physical exam and to discuss your medical history. Blood tests can show abnormal hormone levels, as well as help rule out other illnesses. An ultrasound scan can detect cysts. Doctors can use medication to treat the symptoms that often accompany the disorder.A combination of a healthy diet and exercise is the first step in controlling PCOS. Losing just 2 to 5% of excess weight can help bring hormone levels into normal range and help women avoid long-term complications like diabetes and heart disease, according to research.
