The ovaries are responsible for a large amount of the hormones produced within the female body. However, at times, this production can be disturbed and broken. There are several conditions and syndromes that will alter hormone production, and more specifically, the hormones from the ovaries.
Some women suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. This disease can only occur in women when they are of reproductive age and can affect their reproductive system. In some cases, it can lead to infertility. What’s worse is that polycystic ovary syndrome can interact with many different potential complications. These complications can be serious impediments to health or even lead to life threatening situations.
There are a few main symptoms that should be looked for. The first is an irregularity in periods. It’s possible for a woman to go unexpectedly long times without a period and have far less during the year. Typically a woman may have only 9 periods per year and suffer from breaks between them of at least 5 weeks in between. It’s also possible to suffer from very heavy periods.
The ovaries produce small amounts of a male hormone. When suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome, this production is often elevated and causes a series of symptoms. This includes the potential of suffering from male pattern baldness. It’s also possible get severe acne. The most common aspect of this increased hormone is excess facial and body hair growth. This symptom is also known as hirsutism.
The final symptom will usually require diagnostic tests to find. Ovaries can become enlarged. From there, fluid forms into follicles surrounding the eggs of the ovaries. This can cause eggs to fail to deploy.
As mentioned earlier, there are some severe complications that can occur when someone is suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. It should be noted that obesity is a big concern. Obese women are more likely to suffer more severe forms of complications and of the diserase itself. Some of the serious complications include:
Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome will be determined together with your doctor. Diagnosis can only occur after at least two of the three distinct group of symptoms is detected. It’s likely that the first aspect of treatment is going to be medication. There are quite a few which can be used, but they tend to have some similar goals. Some treatments are designed to regulate the menstrual cycle. This can help alleviate the large lengths of time between periods. Women potentially suffering from an inability to ovulate may take a different set of medications. Additional symptoms like excess hair growth also have treatments. These can be oral medications, creams, or electrolysis.
The second aspect to treating polycystic ovary syndrome is lifestyle help. Women who suffer from it and are outside of a healthy weight will need to take steps to try to make things better. This will likely include limiting carbs due to the link with diabetes. Exercise can be of great benefit and is likely required as well. Even some low to moderate loss of weight can make a big difference.
