Dr. MJ Bazos MD,
Patient Handout
Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Who gets it?
If your hormones don't work in the normal way,
your ovaries might make too many eggs. Those eggs turn into many cysts. The
cysts (say: "sists") are like little balloons filled with liquid.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is called PCOS for
short. Women in their childbearing years can get it. It often begins in the
teenage years. It doesn't go away.
What are the signs of PCOS?
Usually, women with PCOS have irregular
menstrual periods. After a while, some women stop having any periods. Women with
PCOS may have trouble getting pregnant.
About 70 percent of women with PCOS have extra
hair growing in the sideburn area of their face and on their chin, upper lip,
nipple area, chest, lower abdomen and thighs. They may get acne. About half are
obese. Some women with PCOS have no signs of it.
What causes PCOS?
Doctors don't know what causes PCOS. If you have
PCOS, you may have a problem with the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose).
Because of this problem, the hormones that control your ovaries and menstrual
periods can become abnormal.
Does PCOS cause long-term problems?
If you have PCOS, you are more likely to get
high blood pressure or diabetes. This means you have a greater risk for strokes
and heart attacks.
Because of irregular menstrual periods, women
with PCOS are more likely to be infertile (unable to get pregnant). They may
also have a higher risk for cancer of the uterus or breast.
How can my doctor tell that I have
PCOS?
Your doctor will look for the signs of PCOS.
Blood tests that measure your hormone levels can help. An ultrasound exam can
show if you have cysts on your ovaries.
How is PCOS treated?
If you have PCOS, you might need to lose weight.
Medicine can help with your menstrual cycle, abnormal hair growth and acne. If
you have diabetes or high blood pressure, they have to be treated. If you want
to have a baby, there are medicines that may help you get pregnant.
Websites: