Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or most commonly called PCOS is a health concern for many women and adolescent females. Statistics reflect that 5-8% (5 million) of the population has this condition, but most are undiagnosed or treated. This syndrome can be viewed as a state of multiple hormones that are in turmoil which can affect the skin, insulin abnormalities, ovarian dysfunction, and weight difficulties. Sometimes symptoms related to PCOS can be dismissed by a health care provider as unimportant. Therefore, women with these concerns need to learn how to become their own advocates. There are four hallmark symptoms of PCOS:
1.) Hyperandrogensim (increased testosterone effects) can cause acne; greasy/oily skin, unwanted hair (hirutism) on the face, stomach, and inner thighs, or possibly even hair loss (alopecia).
2.) Ovarian/menstrual abnormalities can cause irregular/infrequent, heavy bleeding, and painful periods. Irregular cycles indicate a lack in the hormone progesterone. When a woman bleeds on a regular 28-day cycle, progesterone is produced and ovulation occurs, thus if there is a malfunction in the ovaries this may lead to infertility. This hormone is also necessary to protect the uterine lining against cancer, so women who do not have regular menses should have this evaluated.
3.) Obesity/exacerbation with weight gain can lead to risk for heart disease and diabetes. These two health risks are escalating in the United States and are extremely frustrating to the patient as well as the provider. The most recent approach to these difficult medical concerns is a low carbohydrate/high protein nutritional plan, which needs to be a lifestyle change for a person.
4.) Metabolic dysfunction is the final classical symptom of PCOS. This syndrome has five standard risk factors, they are: - Abdominal obesity (waist measurement of more than 40 inches in men or 35 in women)
- Elevated blood fat (triglycerides greater than 150)
- Reduced “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)- less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women, and a reduction in the HDL-2 (the most protective part of the “good” cholesterol) is less than 15.
- Elevated blood pressure greater than 130/85
- Elevated fasting glucose greater than 100 mg/dL (a sign of insulin resistance)
Three or more of these risk factors suggests metabolic dysfunction. Other lifestyle factors may contribute to the possibility of having this syndrome, such as: physical inactivity, aging, hormonal imbalance, and a family history of the condition. In summary, PCOS is just not an “over-weight person” syndrome, this can happen to any woman of any age. The most important aspect of this syndrome is the dyslipidemia or abnormal cholesterol values which can be indicative of insulin resistance. There are no absolute diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovarian syndrome, thus it is important for you to discuss your symptoms with your provider. We at Advanced Gynecology are dedicated to help women that have concerns about this condition. With the help of diet, medication, and exercise women accomplish their goals of reducing weight and improving cholesterol levels. In addition, blood pressure problems get better, the risk for heart disease and diabetes are minimized. We have a great team doctors, a physician assistant, and a nurse practitioner that work closely with the patients for a successful outcome. We look forward to serving you and assisting with your medical needs. |
