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Your health polycystic ovary syndromeOverworked ovaries
No exact cause for polycystic ovary syndrome is known but women who have this lifelong condition can relieve the symptoms through certain lifestyle changes.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that affects approximately 5-10% of women. In a normal ovary, an egg matures once a month, surrounded by a sac called a follicle. The cells of the follicle first produce the hormone estrogen. Then the egg is released during a process called ovulation, and the follicle cells begin to produce the hormone progesterone as well as estrogen. In a polycystic ovary, however, there are many follicles but they don't mature properly so no egg is released. Because of this, progesterone levels are too low while estrogen levels are too high, possibly causing irregular periods and other symptoms of PCOS. Women with PCOS also produce an excess amount of male sex hormones called androgens. All women produce a certain amount of these hormones. But when too much is produced, it can prevent ovulation. What are the symptoms of PCOSSymptoms can vary and may include:
Long-term health problemsInsulin is a substance that controls the body's use of sugar. Many women with PCOS produce too much insulin or their insulin doesn't work properly. This is one reason why women with PCOS tend to be overweight and have a hard time losing extra weight. They're also at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, endometrial cancer and high blood pressure. Diagnosing PCOSYour doctor will look for the signs of PCOS by doing a complete exam that may include blood tests or an ultrasound exam of the pelvic area. He or she will also ask you about your lifestyle, menstrual cycle and family health history. How you can manage the symptomsLowering insulin levels is key to managing PCOS. A good way to achieve this is through daily exercise (which has other health benefits as well!) lasting at least 30 minutes. Some women will also be prescribed medication to lower their insulin levels. You may find that losing weight lowers insulin levels enough to allow ovulation to begin and could also reduce new hair growth. Also, try to reduce your carbohydrate intake by eating less bread, pasta, cakes and cookies. Irregular menstrual periods can be managed by taking the hormone progesterone or birth control pills. If you wish to become pregnant, you can take medications that will help you ovulate. Remember, there is no cure for PCOS but there are treatments that work so you can take control of your life. Related articles |
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