Polycystic Ovarian Disease Facts
Polycystic ovarian disease is also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS and is a hormonal disorder that occurs in women of child-bearing age. Symptoms result from an excess of male hormone production and include amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries, excessive hair growth in unwanted areas, acne and infertility. Women with PCOS may have associated metabolic issues that include obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS is commonly diagnosed in the 20's or 30's although it can occur at anytime during childbearing years. In a study published in the June, 1999 issue of Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, Dr. C.G. Solomon from the Harvard School of Medicine estimated that 5% of women of reproductive age have polycystic ovarian disease.
Dietary Treatment
Treatment for PCOS begins with a prescribed dietary changes. Recommendations include a diet abundant in lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and low in fats, sugar and alcohol. This diet not only promotes weight loss that can improve PCOS symptoms, but also helps to balance the irregular hormone production. The hormonal imbalance that causes PCOS is related to the body's inability to control insulin, so diet modification may also result in decreased production of male hormones and an improvement in insulin regulation. Weight loss as a result of diet and exercise may be enough to help the ovaries work more efficiently. A low fat, low sugar diet coupled with regular exercise is initiated prior to more serious measures, such as medication. Women with polycystic ovarian disease are at high risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol; following a prescribed diet not only improves PCOS but also reduces the risk of associated complications.
Medications
Medication is prescribed when dietary treatment alone is not sufficient to reduce PCOS hormonal balance. Women who are not interested in becoming pregnant can take a birth control pill to increase the level of female hormones. Birth control pills are a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, which correct irregular menstruation or trigger menstruation if it is absent. The hormone spironolactone is prescribed to reduce the amount of male hormones and is effective at reducing unwanted hair growth and acne associated with severe PCOS. Diabetes medications such as glucophage may also be prescribed alongside hormonal treatments to help sensitize the body to insulin and repair insulin regulation. Fertility medications used by women seeking pregnancy may be used with glucophage treatment.
