$Unique_ID{BRK00671}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{What is "polycystic ovary syndrome"?}
$Subject{ovary polycystic treatment}
$Volume{J-22}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "polycystic ovary syndrome"?


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QUESTION:  When I visited a new doctor because of a chronic problem with
irregular periods, he proposed a new diagnoses for my condition, one which I
need to know more about.  What is "polycystic ovary syndrome"?  What are the
symptoms, and how is it treated?

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ANSWER:  Polycystic ovary syndrome is the catch-all name for a number of
diseases of the female reproductive system.
     Symptoms can include amenorrhea (lack of menstrual cycles), irregular
cycles or abnormal bleeding, infertility, obesity, edema (retention of fluid),
and enlarged ovaries.  About 70% of patients suffer from hirsutism (excess
hair on the face, chest and back, and up the middle of the abdomen).  One
prominent example of this condition is sometimes referred to as
Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
     Women with polycystic ovary syndrome also have a greater chance of
developing endometrial cancer.
     The syndrome is the result of abnormal levels of certain hormones; for
instance, one characteristic is the increased production of androgens, the
hormones that stimulate male sexual development.  Although women usually have
small amounts of androgens, women with polycystic ovary syndrome produce too
much.
     Treatment varies, depending on the symptoms and the patient's desires
that stem from her life style and personal wishes.  Oral contraceptives are
often the first choice for treatment if the patient does not want to get
pregnant.  Birth control pills can decrease the risk of endometrial cancer as
well as control hirsutism.  Progestins, a form of progesterone, a hormone
necessary for ovulation, can be given to patients who cannot or do not want to
take oral contraceptives.  Because pregnancy should not be attempted while
taking progestins, women must use another form of birth control.  On the other
side of the coin, fertility drugs can be given to patients who want to get
pregnant.  Other medications may be used to help reduce hirsutism.  When
medications fail to help the situation, surgery, a procedure known as "wedge
resection of the ovary" may be required in some cases.  Your problem should be
thoroughly discussed with your new doctor to obtain a full understanding of
your personal situation, and to permit you to make the correct decisions.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
