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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Due to an overproduction of androgen hormones by the ovaries and/or adrenal glands, many women develop a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes problems with female ovulation, sometimes leading to infertility. Symptoms of... More
Due to an overproduction of androgen hormones by the ovaries and/or adrenal glands, many women develop a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS causes problems with female ovulation, sometimes leading to infertility. Symptoms of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, painful ovarian cysts, problem skin, and an excess of hair growth. PCOS may also cause problems with your weight and cholesterol. There are a number of treatment options available for women with PCOS, depending on the severity of your condition. If your doctor suspects that you have PCOS, you will likely receive blood tests, a pelvic exam to check for cysts, and possibly a vaginal ultrasound screening. Less
Recently Answered
Q How does surgery help treat polycystic ovary syndrome?
Surgery is usually the last effort in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Doctors usually perform PCOS surgery through laparoscopy. In laparoscopy, your doctor makes several small incisions and uses small instruments in order to target... More
Dr. Mark Perloe
 
Ovarian drilling is a last resort to manage PCOS. This procedure is best performed during a laparoscopy. A small needle is used to introduce an electrical current into the central portion of the ovary to dramatically reduce the production of male... More
Healthwise
 
Surgical treatment is sometimes used for women with infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who do not start ovulating after taking medicine. During surgery, ovarian function is improved by reducing the number of small cysts. Surgery... More
Q Can polycystic ovary syndrome be prevented?
Since scientists are still confused as to the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), they also do not know how to prevent it. However, some of the risk factors associated with PCOS can be prevented and, thus, you can lessen your chance of developing... More
Dr. Mark Perloe
 
While there is a strong genetic predisposition to develop this condition if others in your family have PCOS, diabets or metabolic syndrome, diet and exercise can reduce the risk. Diets that are low in processed carbohydrates and high glycemic... More
Healthwise
 
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cannot be prevented. But early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS helps prevent long-term complications, such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. More
Q What increases my risk for polycystic ovary syndrome?
Although the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not known, your risk for this condition is greatly increased by a few different factors. If your body produces an increased insulin supply you may be at risk, since androgen and insulin... More
Healthwise
 
The main risk factor for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a family history of PCOS. Experts think that a combination of genes plays a part in PCOS. If you have the syndrome, your sisters and daughters have a 50% chance of developing PCOS. A family... More
Q What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome?
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is unknown, but researchers do know what causes the symptoms. PCOS is caused by an excess production of androgen. Even though all women produce androgen, it is still considered a male hormone and excess... More
American Diabetes Association
 
No one knows the exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but studies are looking at whether it is caused by genetics. Also, because many women with PCOS also have diabetes, studies are examining the relationship between PCOS and the body's... More
Thomson Reuters
 
The exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is not known. Having a family member with PCOS or other ovarian diseases may increase your chance of having PCOS. Healthcare providers believe that PCOS occurs when the ovaries produce higher... More
Q Why is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) stressful?
Dr. Mosaraf Ali
 
PCOS is a worrying and upsetting condition because it seems to hit at the very heart of your femininity: male-pattern hair growth, a body too fat to be attractive, the threat of infertility. It is important to remain calm and keep a sense of... More
Q Can polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) be overcome with fertility drugs?
Dr. Keith Steward
 
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have difficulty with ovulation.  Although fertility drugs do not treat this syndrome, they can overcome the problem of ovulation. The chances of conception improve if an ovulation-related problem is the... More

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