Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

For as long as I can remember I have never had a regular period, I would sometimes bleed during intercourse and or it was painful. I had always struggled with my image (weight and hair) and when I started trying to fall pregnant found it impossible. I went for a papsmear which showed some abnormalities (turned out it was nothing) but I was sent for further tests and to a gynocologist. Eventually I was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome. I was put on clomophene citrate which for me luckily worked immediately. (I was pregnant after one month) My gyno was also hoping that having a baby would help with some of the other problems I was having. Unfortunately it didn't. But I didn't have a real good understanding of what PCOS was so I did some research and just thought I would share it with all my fellow mintiers.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (also known as PCOS) is a Medical condition that about 5-10% of women will suffer. There is currently no known cause or treatment for this condition which is normally diagnosed anywhere from late adolesence through to menopause.
Some of the symptoms include lack of, irregular or few menstural cycles. Excessive amounts of hair. Obesity (mainly in the middle area or apple shaped) Acne and in rarer cases insomnia, pain during intercourse and prolonged periods of pms-like symptoms. (mood swings, bloated feeling, lower back ache and pelvic pain).
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can lead to further problems later in life such as insulin resistance (diabetes type 2), Heart disease, high blood pressure, Cholesterol problems and endometrial cancer.
Sufferers of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome often find it difficult to fall pregnant if at all. This is because irregular mentrual cycles mean that it is difficult to determine when ovulation occurs if it does at all. Often weight loss and exercise may help and if not your doctor may prescribe Clomophene  Citrate which helps the ovaries to release an egg there for enabling sufferers to become pregnant. If this method is unsuccessful further help may be needed such as IVF and if this is unsuccessful hopeful couples wanting to be parents may have to opt for a surrogit mother (depending on the laws of your country/state) or adoption.
Diagnosis is usually done by blood test and ultrasound. If higher than normal levels of the male hormone (Androgens) particularly testosterone are found then a gynocological ultrasound will be done and if multiple small follicles (ten or more) are found on the ovaries (this is one form of cyst). Or the ovaries are enlarged. (1.5 to 3 times). The doctor may order further tests to rule out any other disorders that may present with simular symptoms.
To help relieve some of the symptoms of PCOS it is recommended to try and lead a healthy lifestyle. A low carb and Low GI diet in conjunction with regular sustained exercise have been found to be quiet beneficial. There are also some medications that can be recommended or prescribed by your doctor to help relive some of the more embarressing symptons such as excessive hair or acne. Visit your doctor if symptoms become worse or if you wish to discuss anything about your medical situation. It is also important to say not all women with cysts on their ovaries have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Hope this was helpful and you enjoyed reading it.