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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome P.C.O.S 
What Is PCOS ? Polycystic ovarian syndrome (also referred to as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, polycystic ovarian disease or hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation) is an endocrine disorder found in 5%-10% women. It can cause a myriad of symptoms that appear, on the surface, to be unrelated, including: Symptoms Irregular or absent Periods, Lack of Ovulation, Weight Gain, hirsutism (excess body hair) which tends to worsen over time Small cysts on the Ovaries, Acne, ancthosis nigrans (darkening of the skin under the arms and breasts and at the nape of the neck) Infertility
Treatments Available Infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome is usually treated successfully by improving diet and exercise, weight reduction and spironolactone therapy. If these measures are not successful, conception can usually be achieved by one or more of clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, laparoscopically applied therapies to the ovaries and assisted reproductive techniques. Metformin therapy increases spontaneous ovulation and dramatically enhances the ovulatory response to clomiphene29 and will hopefully reduce the need for more expensive forms of ovulation induction.
How Is It Diagnosed ? PCOS is often overlooked by doctors, though awareness of it is increasing. It is generally diagnosed through various blood tests and ultrasound. It shouldn't be diagnosed by ultrasound alone, though, because about 20% of women have polycystic-appearing ovaries - it's a symptom of chronic anovulation, which can be caused by other things. Blood tests can be done to test a number of different hormone levels - high androgen levels (particularly free testosterone), high levels of LH or elevated LH to FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) ratio are often the basis for diagnosis.
Long term monitoring Given the longer term risks that have been identified, particularly in women who are overweight, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, the increased risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer of the lining of the uterus, it is important for the GP to keep an eye on these and provide appropriate counselling to reduce the risks as much as possible. The extra risks of smoking should be made clear, and diet advice given regarding excess fatty foods & weight control. Blood tests for cholesterol levels and diabetes should be considered, perhaps every one or two years from age 35 and even earlier if there is a family history
If you require further Information or would like to learn more about PCOS Everything you need to know about PCOS Click here Please visit SUZ site. http://suzsh.tripod.com/pcos-now/ Or contact direct by email heemstra@bucknell.edu Useful Links Womens health pcos http://www.womens-health.co.uk/pcos.htm
All information gathered on this page is for learning resources and has been studied on the net by the managers of this site, and taken fom personal experiences within the group. Page created by binky_joe (Manager) | 
