Description An abnormal pattern...
Description
An abnormal pattern of reproductive hormones in women results in irregular menstruation and the appearance of multiple cysts in the ovaries. This is usually diagnosed in young women who have absent or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth and obesity. The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Each cyst in an ovary occurs because an egg does not release easily from the ovary. Some women with PCOS are infertile (treatments are available). The hormone pattern of this condition is closely related to insulin resistance, which is the cause of type 2 diabetes. (It is common to have both polycystic ovaries and diabetes).
Symptoms
Irregular menstrual periods, absent periods, acne, decreased breast size, increased body hair, facial hair, a deepening of the voice, male-pattern baldness, difficulty getting pregnant, diabetes, weight gain, obesity.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis include: abdominal ultrasound, estrogen and testosterone hormone levels, fasting glucose levels.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Ultrasound, Fasting blood sugar, Testosterone level, DHEA-S, Prolactin
Other Specific Tests: Ovary biopsy, estrogen levels, laparoscopy, LH levels, urine 17-ketosteroids
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis include: abdominal ultrasound, estrogen and testosterone hormone levels, fasting glucose levels.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Ultrasound, Fasting blood sugar, Testosterone level, DHEA-S, Prolactin
Other Specific Tests: Ovary biopsy, estrogen levels, laparoscopy, LH levels, urine 17-ketosteroids
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Treatment
The goals of therapy are to control symptoms and stimulate ovulation. Medications used to decrease the symptoms include: birth control pills, metformin (Glucophage), clomiphene citrate (Clomid), and spironolactone (Aldactone). Metformin causes the body to be more sensitive to insulin and in women with insulin resistance this treatment has been shown to improve ovulation. Weight loss can also help with ovulation, increase the chances of becoming pregnant and decrease insulin resistance.