WHAT IS POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME?

PCOS is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder which affects an estimated 6-10% of all women, and it is the most common cause of irregular periods and infertility. It will not resolve itself with birth control pills, childbirth, or menopause, but it is manageable with medications, diet, and exercise. Adequate treatment can help prevent serious long-term risk factors.

As a matter of clarification, polycystic ovary syndrome is not a disease! By definition, a disease must have a "characteristic feature," but that is not the case with PCOS. This disorder is a "syndrome" which is defined as having a set of symptoms. Symptoms will vary among women, but can include:

• Appearance of small, multiple cysts on the ovary visible by ultrasound
• Irregular periods or lack of menstruation (amenorrhea)
• Infertility and miscarriage
• Elevated blood levels of male hormones (androgens), especially testosterone
• Adult acne
• Excess facial and body hair (hirsutism)
• Hair loss or thinning hair (alopecia)
• Weight problems especially around the midsection (central obesity)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Elevated tricylercides and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
• Impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, & type II diabetes
• Skin tags (acrochordons) and dark velvety patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Polycystic ovary syndrome was originally named Stein-Leventhal Syndrome in recognition of the two physicians who, in 1935, first described the condition. These physicians noted the "string of pearls" appearance on the ovary and began calling it bilateral polycystic ovary.

The many cysts on the ovary are follicles that have matured, but due to abnormal hormone levels, were never released. (Source: http://www.onhealth.com).

A confusing fact about this syndrome is that polycystic-appearing ovaries is not necessarily an indicator of PCOS. Conversely, one can have PCOS without polycystic-appearing ovaries. Because of this, many feel that "PCOS" is an misleading name for this syndrome. Some refer to it as hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation while others have argued that ovarian dysmetabolic syndrome is a better name. Recently, the name Syndrome O has been offered to represent the set of symptoms that are evident with this condition. (See www.ivf-de.com.)

Having an inaccurate name has made treatment very difficult for women who have the syndrome. It is our goal to help provide accurate information about PCOS, despite the name, and we encourage our community to "recruit" and educate their doctors in this regard.

Hence, dealing with PCOS can be a difficult challenge. Our group seeks to provide support and information especially to those in Austin, Texas and the surrounding area. Visit our Support Forum to ask a specific question about PCOS. In addition, we are pleased to host regular local meetings!