What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive problem. It is generally caused by a hormonal imbalance. The syndrome is named as such because the ovaries of many women with the condition will appear to have multiple cysts on them. Some of the symptoms of this condition can include irregular periods, weight gain and infertility. Although, polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms can occur in the teen years, the condition is often discovered when a women undergoes medical tests for being unable to get pregnant.

There are many possible causes of polycystic ovary syndrome, although the exact cause is not clear. A hormone imbalance may be the greatest cause of this reproductive problem. Women produce sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone and a dominantly male hormone known as androgen. For reasons unknown, women with this condition may overproduce androgens, which may be the leading factor in the hormonal imbalance that leads to this condition. Other possible causes may include excessive insulin in the body and genetics, as the condition can be seen in several women in one family.

Oligomenorrhea, also known as irregular menstrual periods, is one of the foremost polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms. Some women may have more menstrual periods than normal, fewer periods or no periods at all for an extended time. Due to the increase of androgens in the woman's body, she may develop body hair that would be more consistent to a man, such as facial hair and hair on the chest. In some cases, a woman may also notice that her voice is deepening. Other symptoms of this syndrome may include weight gain, decreased breast size, male pattern baldness and skin changes such as acne.

Infertility can be another symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. In fact, this syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of infertility in women. The condition may cause infertility by the disturbance it can cause to a woman's menstrual cycle by causing some women to have very irregular cycles or a loss of menstruation altogether. Tests often given to women unable to get pregnant commonly lead to the accidental discovery of this condition.

If a woman suspects she may have this reproductive condition she should see a gynecologist. The gynecologist will usually perform a variety of tests to pinpoint the abnormality. Commonly, the medical tests will include a complete physical, a pelvic examination and blood tests. A pelvic ultrasound may also be done. The ultrasound will be helpful to get a visual inspection of the ovarian cysts.

Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment may be tailored to the symptoms of the individual woman. Medications such as birth control pills may be given to help regulate menstrual periods. Birth control pills may also be used to combat the effects of the extra androgens by reducing symptoms such as abnormal hair growth. Medications may also be given to induce ovulation in certain circumstances, for example, ovulation medicines may be used to assist a woman trying to conceive. If weight gain is one of the most troublesome symptoms of this condition, a woman may treat this symptom by exercising and ensuring that she eats healthy.