Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) depends on the individual case and desire of the patient to fall pregnant as soon as possible. It is important to note that dietary and lifestyle modification may be useful in PCOS and should be first be undertaken before medical and surgical treatment options are considered. This includes adopting a diet pattern similar to those for type 2 diabetes and regular exercise. For overweight and obese women the goal is to lose weight which can drastically improve menstrual patterns and could possibly lead to ovulatory cycles. Diet and lifestyle modification, however, is for all women with PCOS irrespective of the BMI (body mass index).
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is one of the common causes of infertility. It affects about 1 in 10 women in the United States and while not every women will experience difficulty in falling pregnant, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the chances of infertility at a later stage. A large number cases of PCOS are only diagnosed when a woman seeks medical attention for difficulty in conceiving. However, early recognition of the signs and symptoms by the patient and an understanding of the diagnostic criteria on the part of the practitioner can drastically change the outlook.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a condition in women characterized by an irregular menstrual cycles, excess of androgens (male hormones) and cysts in the ovaries. Despite the name though, cysts can sometimes be absent. The condition is one of the more common causes of infertility in women although not every case of PCOS will affect a woman’s ability to fall pregnant. Other frequently associated features with PCOS is insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and obesity which are factors that appear to complicate the syndrome even further.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are two important causes of infertility and women suffering from either condition may be concerned about their chance of falling pregnant. However, treatment options are available which may increase the chance of pregnancy in women eager to conceive.
This condition is very different from suffering the condition known as ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries happens due to the ovaries being covered in very small follicles. It is a condition which can have an affect on infertility and has also been known to be the cause of reoccurring miscarriages; in fact these two conditions are very often a sign of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
During a woman’s menstrual cycle very small follicles will grow on the ovaries and within these follicles eggs will develop; only one of the eggs, the one which matures the fastest will be released into the fallopian tubes. This is what is known as ovulation, there could be hundreds of remaining follicles and these will degenerate.
