Polycystic ovarian disease is a condition characterized by presence of multiple small cysts in the ovaries associated with high male hormone levels, infrequent or absence of ovulation and other metabolic disturbances.
The eggs in the ovary are inside the sacs called as follicles. There are many such sacs in the ovary that contain immature eggs and since they do not develop properly they are not released from the follicle. They form cysts in the ovary.
The exact cause for polycystic ovarian disease is not known but some of the factors that may play a role are:-
Excess insulin production by pancreatic is believed to produce excess androgen. This disrupts the normal menstrual cycle and may lead to infertility, excess body hair and acne.
Positive family history wherein if your mother or sister has PCOD, you might have a greater chance of having it, too.
Low grade inflammation has been seen more frequently in women with PCOD.
Acne, oily skin, seborrhea, hair loss (baldness like in men), obesity, depression, diabetes, deepening of voice, infertility, irregular periods, very few period , decrease in breast size, absence of periods and excessive body hair and male pattern distribution like of chest, face and legs called as hirsutism are the symptoms of polycystic ovarian disease.
Enlargement of ovaries and clitoris are the signs of polycystic ovarian disease.
Diagnosis of polycystic ovarian disease is done on the basis of medical history, pelvic examination, pelvic ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal MRI, gynecologic ultrasonography, laproscopy, biopsy of the ovary, and blood tests for thyroid function test; serum levels of estrogen, androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
Treatment is aimed at lowering insulin levels, treating hirsutism and acne, restoring fertility, treatment for irregular menstrual periods and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.
For lowering insulin levels dietary therapy in terms of low carbohydrate diet and regular physical exercise or by taking medications is beneficial. Weight loss is very important in reducing insulin resistance, ovulation stimulation and fertility rate.
Oral contraceptive pills are given to regulate the menstrual periods.
Treatment for fertility includes prediction of ovulation, use of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, assisted reproductive technology, invitro fertilization and other measures.
Treatment for hirsutism and acne is anti-androgen medications.
Polycystic ovarian disease is a risk factor for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, abnormal uterine bleeding, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, weight gain, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, stroke, miscarriage, dyslipidamia and patches of darkened skin under the arms, in groin and on the neck called as acanthosis nigricans.
If there are menstruation related problems, acne or excess facial hair then it is better to call the health care provider since early diagnosis can reduce the risk of possible complications of polycystic ovarian disease.
