What is PCOS?

 
 

BASIC DEFINITION:

PCOS, first known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome, is an anagram for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a disorder characterized by the absence of or irregularity of menstruation, hirisutism, excessive body weight, acne, infertility, and often times, insulin resistance. Many women with PCOS also have polycystic ovaries. Click here to see a picture of an ovary with multiple cysts. Not all women with PCOS exhibit all of these symptoms.

CAUSES:

Abnormally elevated levels of testosterone and lutenizing hormone (LH) disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and cause the ovum to become cystic structures. Immature cysts remain in the ovary, giving the characteristic "string of pearls" appearance. However, not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries. It is still called PCOS, because it encompasses a multitude of symptoms. Much research is being done now concerning the connection between PCOS and insulin resistance, an area I think is the most important to understanding the difficulties that women have with getting proper treatment for PCOS.

WOMEN AFFECTED:

It is estimated that 6-10% of pre-menopausal women have PCOS. There are no real demographics for the disease. It affects women of all races, classes, and sexual orientations. PCOS usually starts at puberty, but can begin in the early to mid-20s or later. Click here to read a paper that I am working on that explores the cultural construction of PCOS and how that has affected the diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome.

SYMTPOMS:

Although all women's bodies are different, the is a general list of symptoms that is associated with this disorder:

  • irregular menstruation
  • hirisutism (excessive hair growth)
  • male-pattern baldness
  • infertility
  • insulin resistance
  • annovulation
  • excessive weight gain
  • depression

DIAGNOSIS:

There are many ways to determine if you have PCOS. To determine if you have polycystic ovaries, both an interuterine ultrasound and a regular ultrasound should be done. Because PCOS can mimic other diseases, certain tests should be done to determine that you do not have Cushing's Syndrome, Turner's Syndrome, or a thyroid problem. You should also take a variety of blood tests, including, but not limited to the following:

  • DHEA-S
  • Testoterone
  • LH & FSH
  • Glucose Tolerance Test
  • Thyroid

Click here for a listing of the PCOS tests that I have recently taken and to read the results and what in the world all of these numbers and levels indicate about my body and PCOS.

Cure:

There is no cure for PCOS. Many women, however, expereince at leat partial relief through carbohydrate controlled diets, insulin-sensitizing medications like metformin, and herbs. Treatment depends on the patient and her symptoms.

  
 
 
 
 
 
  

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