PCO

The ovaries are a pair of glands that lie on either side of the uterus (womb), these are almond shaped and form eggs and release hormones.

Ovulation –simply means the formation of the egg in the ovary. Every month a fluid filled bubble (called a `follicle`) is formed in the ovary, this follicle lodges the egg. The follicle grows upto a certain size and then ruptures releasing the egg. The sperm at this point meets the egg and the embryo lodges itself in the womb.

The main hormones that are made in the ovaries are oestrogen and progestogen – the main ‘female’ hormones. These hormones help with the development of breasts, and control the menstrual cycle. Ovaries also release `testosterone` which is a hormone mainly present in males but in very small amounts

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition where the following occur:

How common is PCOS?

PCOS is common. It is said that up to 1 in 10 women have Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – that is, women have Polycystic ovaries, a raised level of male hormone (testosterone) and reduced ovulation.

What are the symptoms and problems of PCOS?

Symptoms that occur if you do not ovulate

Possible long-term problems of PCOS

If you have PCOS, over time you have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy, a high cholesterol level, and possibly high blood pressure.

Diagnosis

Tests may be advised to clarify the diagnosis

What is the treatment for PCOS?

Main line of Treatment in Frank PCO, Irregular periods with Infertility will be Ovarian drilling(LOES) by performing a Laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy. It improves chances of conceiving over a period of 6 months to a year

You should aim to lose weight if you are overweight. This then improves the chance of you ovulating, which improves any period problems, fertility, and may also help to reduce hair growth and acne. The increased risk of long-term problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc, is also reduced.

Metformin is a drug that is commonly used to treat people with diabetes. It makes the body’s cells more sensitive to insulin.
Preventing long term problems

A healthy lifestyle is important to help prevent the conditions listed above in ‘long-term problems’. For example, you should: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

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