Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Women with PCOS experience different forms of polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. PCOS which stands for polycystic ovarian syndrome is a type of hormonal problem experienced by women that could result to infertility.

• Polycystic ovaries. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome acquire enlarged ovaries that contain several small cysts. This can be detected through an ultrasound. However, the existence of polycystic ovaries doesn’t necessarily mean that you have PCOS. Some women who have polycystic ovaries don’t have polycystic ovarian syndrome, while others who are diagnosed with the condition could have ovaries which may look normal.

• Excess androgen. Women who experience this symptom experience an elevated level of the male hormone called androgen. Among all polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, excess androgen impacts the physical appearance of a woman. Signs may include excess body and facial hair known as hirsutism, severe occurrence of adult or adolescent acne and male imitation of baldness called androgenic alopecia. However, excess androgen physical signs may vary depending on your ethnic background. Women of Asian or Northern European descent may not or rarely experience the physical signs as a result of excess androgen.

Other polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms:

• Infertility. Women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome are prone to infertility due to lack of ovulation or infrequent ovulation. As a result, becoming pregnant naturally may prove to be quite a challenge. 

• Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is also known as impaired-glucose tolerance. Most women with polycystic ovary syndrome are known to be insulin resistant. This impairs the ability of the body to effectively use insulin in order to control blood sugar. Insulin resistance can then result to type-2 diabetes and increased blood sugar levels.

• Acanthosis nigricans. A medical term used to refer darkened and velvety skin conditions in different areas of the body, with a common occurrence on the nape, under the breasts, vulva, inner thighs or armpits. This type of skin condition usually indicates insulin resistance.

• Obesity. Compared with women who are not diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and of the same age, half of those with PCOS are obese or overweight.
Common complications connected with PCOS are stroke, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. To reduce the risk of serious and long-term complications, polycystic ovary syndrome needs to be diagnosed and treated early on.

Treatment

PCOS treatment mainly focuses on dealing with individual polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, like obesity, infertility, acne or hirsuitism. This would involve scheduling regular check-ups, adjusting your lifestyle to develop healthier habits and regulating your menstrual period by prescribing low dosage birth control pills. For excess hair growth problems, birth control pills are also proven to be effective in decreasing androgen production. To treat plycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, your doctor may also recommend certain medications and surgery.

How to get pregnant with PCOS

If you are diagnosed with PCOS but want to get pregnant, medications may be needed in order to induce ovulation. One of the most commonly used medication for PCOS is Clomid (Clomiphene citrate), an anti-estrogen medication that is taken orally. You need to take this during the start of your menstrual period. If the use of Clomid alone is not so effective, metformin may also be prescribed by the doctor to induce ovulation. Other types of medications may also be given by injection.

• Surgery

Other women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergo surgery in order to become pregnant. Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a type of procedure where the doctor creates a tiny abdominal incision and puts in a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a small camera attached to a tube which enables the doctor to have detailed images of the surrounding pelvic organs and the ovaries.

Surgical instruments are then inserted through. Laser or electrical energy will follow to burn in holes to surface follicles found on the ovaries. The purpose for this is to reduce androgen levels in order to effectively induce ovulation.

Despite having polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, you still have a high chance of getting pregnant. Now, pregnancy must not be taken lightly. Make sure to check different fertility coverage available. This way, you can prepare yourself ahead for all the expenses involved with pregnancy and having a baby.