Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in women and affects the hormones that regulate the development of eggs. Poorly developed eggs are not released from the ovaries, but instead form cysts. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility and occurs in 5 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age, Cedars-Sinai Obstetrics and Gynecology Department says.
Considerations
Symptoms of PCOS usually develop gradually and begin to occur in the early teen years. According to the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, PCOS is often mistaken for other medical problems. A woman with PCOS may suffer from many symptoms of PCOS or just a few symptoms.
Abnormal Menstrual Periods
The American Academy of Family Physicians says the 70 percent of woman with PCOS report abnormalities in their menstrual periods. A woman with PCOS has longer periods of time between her menstrual cycles, including intervals longer than 35 days, and may have as few as eight periods a year. Women with PCOS also experience menstrual periods that are longer than five to seven days and can have light or heavy bleeding.
Excess Male Hormones
Women with PCOS have a high level of male hormones called androgens. Acne, excessive facial and body hair, deepening of the voice and male-pattern baldness are symptoms associated with high levels of male hormones. The Mayo Clinic says the physical signs of excessive androgen hormones vary based on a woman's ethnicity. Asian and Northern European women may not show symptoms.
Ovarian Cysts
A woman with PCOS usually has small cysts on her ovaries. According to the Hormone Foundation, these cysts are smaller than the larger cysts seen in some women without PCOS. These small cysts cause the ovaries to enlarge. Enlarged ovaries and the small cysts can be seen on ultrasounds, but the appearance of cysts in the ovaries is not the only diagnostic factor. A woman must have abnormal menstrual periods and high levels of male hormones to be diagnosed.
Insulin Resistance
Women with PCOS are insulin resistant, which results in high blood sugar, and many will develop type 2 diabetes. According to the Mayo Clinic, 50 percent of women with PCOS are obese. Another sign of insulin resistance is called acanthosis nigrican, which manifests as darkened skin under the armpits, inner thighs, under the breasts and on the neck.
Complications
PCOS can increase a woman's risk of developing certain conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, endometrial cancer, heart disease, sleep apnea and uterine bleeding.
Treatment
There is no cure for PCOS. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and lower a woman's chances of encountering complications. Lifestyle modifications, including eating healthy and exercising, can help manage weight, lower blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Birth control pills can help regulate menstrual periods and decrease male hormones and acne. If a woman has developed type 2 diabetes, medications can help keep blood sugar stable. Women wanting to become pregnant can be treated with fertility medications and in vitro fertilization.
