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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - Overview
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age and can cause infertility.
Nomenclature:
Polycystic ovary disease
Functional ovarian hyperandrogenism
Hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation
Ovarian dysmetabolic syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
Stein-Leventhal syndrome
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common hormonal disorder among young women and a leading cause of infertility. Its exact cause is unknown.
"The physician should no longer regard these women as merely having annoying cosmetic complaints, or only suffering from infertility, but as having potential metabolic disorders that may be associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events," comments Rhoda H. Cobin, MD, FACE, Chair of the PCOS Task Force.
The syndrome was originally reported by Stein and Leventhal in 1935 when they described a group of women with absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea), infertility, hirsutism (unwanted hair growth in women), and enlarged polycystic ovaries.
In this condition, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce more testosterone and less estrogen and progesterone than normal. This imbalance causes many of the symptoms of the disease.
Follicles of the ovary are the basic unit of female reproductive biology. They are usually round and contain a single egg (also called ovum). Normal ovarian volume in the menstruating females is 5-15 mL, with an approximate mean of 10 mL.
In polycystic ovary disease, the ovaries are enlarged, with a thick, scarred capsule associated with an abnormally high number of follicles in the ovaries. This gives the impression of multiple cysts and hence the term ‘polycystic’. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than two centimeters, is called an ovarian cyst. Cyst is a closed hollow sac that usually contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material.
The follicles in polycystic ovaries may concurrently exist in varying states of growth, maturation, or degeneration.
What is new in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome / Polycystic ovary disease?
References:
- Current Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030815/697.html)
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: It's Not Just Infertility - (http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000901/1079.html)
- Imaging in Polycystic Ovary Disease - (http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic565.htm)
Latest Publications and Research on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Role of Metformin on Osteoblast Differentiation in Type 2 Diabetes. - Published by PubMedLncRNA HCP5 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis via miR-27a-3p/IGF-1 axis in human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN. - Published by PubMed
The effects of physical exercise on cardiometabolic outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome not taking the oral contraceptive pill: a systematic review and meta-analysis. - Published by PubMed
Therapeutic potentials of the natural plant flavonoid apigenin in polycystic ovary syndrome in rat model: via modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant activity. - Published by PubMed
Association between Dietary Glycaemic Index and Glycaemic Load and Adiposity Indices in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. - Published by PubMed
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I am suffering from PCOD since I was 15 years. I have been taking 'krimpson 35' medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Its been 5 years and I have to take the medicine daily for getting my periods regular. Will I be dependent on medicine all through my life? Does it have any side effect?
I've been dealing with this for over 15 yrs, and yes, you can have kids-I have 2. If you get hold of a GP who won't take it seriously, find another one. I use is 1500mg daily Metformin, 2 iron supplements [Metformin can make you have mal-absorption] daily and a b12 shot monthly, (metformin stops b12 absorption in some cases too). After years of struggle with eating disorders that hospitalized me and almost ruined my health and mental well being, I am at normal weight with moderate diet and excerise regimes. the right drug regime is key, don't let them tell you do nothing until you want to be pregnant or prescribe birth control. Take it seriously- it is easily managed but it is a condition.
I've been dealing with this for over 15 yrs, so I can say, even in extremes, yes, you can have kids. I have 2. If you get hold of a GP who won't take it seriously, find another one. the treatment I use is 1500mg daily [1 at meal times] Metformin, 2 iron supplements (Metformin can make you v tired from malabsorption of iron) daily and a b12 shot monthly, (metformin stops b12 absorption in some cases too). these few hiccups have been nothing compared to what I gained. After years of struggle with eating disorders that hospitalized me and almost ruined my health and mental well being, I am able to maintain a normal weight with moderate diet and excerise regimes. the right drug regime is key, don't let them tell you do nothing until you want to be pregnant or prescribe birth control. There are so many things we know now that this can affect, hormones, depression, kidneys, pancreas, heart. Take it seriously- it is easily managed but it is a condition. Best of luck-
me too suffering from PCOD from the time i started having periods at the age of 13.now i am 25.will i be able to get pregnant?
I was diagnosed with PCOS the gyn says I have nothing to worry about unless I want to get pregnant or worry about getting facial hair. I am not receiving treatment because he said it wasn't serious. Now I am worried he was wrong