What every woman should know about polycystic ovaries

PCO is a condition wherein a young woman has multiple small cysts (small follicles of less than 10mm.) in the ovaries, usually arranged along the rim of the ovaries.

What are the symptoms?

PCO may be part of a syndrome (PCOS) or symptom complex characterized by excess body hair or hirsuitism, obesity, infrequent or absent menses, and infertility. In fact, 25 % of all women have polycystic ovaries diagnosed on sonography, but would be perfectly healthy. These women are diagnosed as having PCO but not the syndrome (PCOS).

How do you diagnose it?

 Sonographic imaging typically demonstrates this condition, especially, if high resolution transvaginal probes are used. You can view high resolution ultrasound images of this pathology at the link: http://sites.google.com/site/drjoea/ovary

Ultrasound scan typically shows more than 10 small cysts per ovary, which is often enlarged in size. Ultrasound imaging reveals surprising anatomical detail of the ovaries. In addition, serological (blood) tests are done to assay the level of male and female sex hormones, the prolactin (a hormone) level, blood glucose, and thyroid hormone levels.

What causes PCOS?

There are various causes of PCOS. 1) Genetic factors

2) Obesity is also associated with this condition.

3) Type 2 or insulin dependent diabetes.

4) There is an association with early onset of baldness in male relatives (again a genetic factor).

How do you treat PCOS?

Treatment seeks to tackle the disease on multiple fronts:-

1)      To treat the infertility by inducing ovulation.

2)      To control the hirsuitism

3)      Control of obesity and prevention of diabetes or its control.

4)      One popular surgical remedy that can cause ovulation is laparoscopic drilling of the ovary by diathermy or laser.

Dr. Joe Antony, MD.