POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISEASE(PCOD)

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Gynaecology and Obstetrics , Endocrinology

Also known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

ABOUT THE DISEASE

The ovaries are organs located in the female pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. During the menstrual cycle, an egg is released from 1 ovary every month. The ovaries also make the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help in the development of a woman`s breasts, body shape, and body hair along with regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which causes a hormonal imbalance in the female sex hormones. As the name suggests, due to hormonal imbalances, multiple cysts develop in the ovaries, interfering with normal ovulation process, due to which there may be trouble in getting pregnant. PCOS usually starts at puberty and may cause irregular periods, along with increased risk of infertility, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also increases risk of developing endometrial (uterine) cancer at an early age.

SYMPTOMS

• Irregular or no menstrual periods.
• Decreased frequency or complete lack of ovulation, resulting in problems with fertility
• Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach and back
• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff.
• Pelvic pain.
• Weight gain specially extra weight around the waist.
• Tendency to develop Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair.
• Increased risk of miscarriage

CAUSES

No specific reason has been identified however this disease seems to runs in families and therefore if your mother or sister has had this disease there is a high probability of you also suffering from the same.

DIAGNOSIS

- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Pelvic/Vaginal ultrasound
- Hormone levels, like Estrogen, Testosterone, FSH, LH, Thyroid, Prolactin
- Blood sugar

TREATMENT METHODS

Treatment for PCOS is customised based on the symptoms or problems identified.

If the patient does not wish to become pregnant, birth control pills to prevent pregnancy and regulate periods are prescribed.

If the patient wishes to become pregnant, oral or injected fertility medications might be prescribed.

Other symptoms such as unwanted hair growth, acne, obesity, and diabetes are managed by specialists in those areas.

Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling may be advised to some patients, in which small holes are drilled in the ovary, to decrease the amount of male hormone production and help restore regular ovulation.