From: Caroline (postnsw.maynick.com.au)
Subject: Re: Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome
Date: June 27, 2003 at 5:08 am PST
In Reply to: Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome posted by Raine on May 23, 2003 at 1:16 pm:
I have just recently been diagnosed with PCOS and have done a little research. Just to add to the previous comments re this subject.
PCOS shouldn't be mistaken for Poly cystic ovaries - a common finding in many women (particularly in teens and early twenties and has no consequences to the woman. These result from the undeveloped ova (egg) not been released by the ovary.) PCOS ,however, results from resistance by the body to insulin (the hormone that assists glucose into the cell to use as energy) and therefore the over production of insulin by the pancreas (this explains the tendancy to put on weight easily). This increase of insulin inhibits the ovary from maturing and releasing the egg (hence the infertility) - this results in cyst like follicles developing on the ovary. This increase in the size of the ovary results in the increase of testosterone (that explains the increase of body and facial hair and acne in some people).
As part of the diagnosis criteria you have to have:
greater than 30 follicles on each ovary (normally there is 5 - 10 per ovary. Polycystic ovaries have greater than 15 per ovary.)
Hirtuism (excessive hair)
acne
disturbance in menstural cycle
infertility
and hormone level abnormalities.
NOW they call it a syndrome because it can vary in its presentation
(so we aren't all ovewrweight).
Treatment is aimed at lowering insulin resistance - Metformin is the drug of choice usually. For those wanting to fall pregnant - Clomidapine assists in developing the egg and increasing ovulation.
There is a tendancy for women with PCOS to develop gestational Diabetes and late onset diabetes ( TYPE 2 Diabetes.) But these are quiet managable.
Hope this helps.
