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Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition in which there are many fluid-filled follicles surrounding the eggs in the ovaries. The size of each follicle can be up to 8mm. Ovaries are the reproductive organs of the female, one on the right and the other one on the left. It is the ovary that is responsible for the release of an egg during ovulation. If your egg is fertilized by sperm will end up in pregnancy but if there is no fertilization you will end up having menstruation each month or so.
Common Symptoms of PCOS
The ovaries also have an endocrine function which brings about the production of estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones help in the normal reproductive system of a woman. Features that you will notice if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome include male pattern baldness, irregular menstrual cycle, (e.g. too long or too short time duration between menstrual period), development of acne on your chest or your back etc. You can also notice that you become more easily irritated or other mood changes.
PCOS and Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is present when the adrenal gland is performing its normal function. Your adrenal gland is very important in keeping your body well body because it produces hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, aldosterone, that help in the proper functioning of your body. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress. Androgen hormones are also produced by the adrenal gland. In polycystic ovarian syndrome, there is production of androgens like testosterone and dehydroepiandrostenedione-sulfate.
Adrenal PCOS occurs when you allow yourself to become stressed. When this happens, there will be increased levels of androgens which can be converted to testosterone. Increased levels of androgens also occurs in polycystic ovarian syndrome. So when you have increased testosterone levels you may develop signs and symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome without having insulin resistance or problems with the ovary (which are also signs of PCOS). If you have increased level of androgens, you can also have a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans or experience infertility and obesity.
Is it Possible to get Pregnant with PCOS?
If you have PCOS it is likely that you may not be able to get pregnant. This is because polycystic ovarian syndrome affects ovulation, which is the release of eggs from the ovary, occuring every month in every healthy woman. In PCOS there is an increase in the level of androgens, affecting the production and release of eggs. If there is a problem with the production of egg or ovulation you will not be able to get pregnant. Too many androgens (which are considered to be male hormones) will have a negative effect on the egg and its release. According to some sources, PCOS can also make a woman be at the risk of having a miscarriage.
However there is good news If you are in your teenage years or in your twenties and you are experiencing PCOS. You may not give up on the hope of becoming pregnant in life because it has been said that teenagers and “twenties” group age with PCOS can end up having more eggs in their thirties without the syndrome. So hang in there.
Can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome go Away on its Own?
It has been suggested that PCOS can be self-limiting in some women. PCOS does not have a cure. But it is not the end of life for you if you have it. There are ways by which it can be managed. The management includes taking care of the problem of infertility, problem of menstruation irregularity, taking care of the problem of hirsutism, and also managing the insulin resistance syndrome. Having irregular menstrual cycle can predispose you to cancer of the endometrium. You can treat the irregular menses by taking oral contraceptive pills or cyclic medroxyprogesterone (Provera) to prevent hyperplasia of the endometrium as a result of estrogen that is unopposed.
If you are trying to become pregnant you or you have non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus you can be taking Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic medication. Cyklokapron will be an effective drug for you if are having only menorrhagia (excessive monthly flow). Increasing your exercise practice will also help in decreasing peripheral formation of estrone. This will also help in controlling your menstrual irregularities. To control infertility if you have PCOS, you can do what is called induction of ovulation. It is the stimulation of ovulation through the use of drugs or hormones. One of the ways by which you can achieve this is by taking Metformin (either alone or together with clomiphene citrate). Other ways include usage of human menopausal gonadotropins, Leutenizing hormone releasing hormone, etc.
Moreover, if testing shows you have hyperprolactinemia (increased level of prolactin in your blood), Bromocriptine will be a good drug of choice for you. If you have the problem of excessive hair growth in a male pattern (hirsutism), you can use oral contraceptives; Yasmin will be a good oral contraceptive drug for you. But you can use any oral contraceptive drug. You can also take drugs like Finasteride, Flutamide, androgen receptor inhibitor (spironolactone). If you have insulin resistance diabetes, you can also use the drug Metformin.
Can Polycystic Cysts be Removed?
PCOS cysts are not technically cysts and may not be surgically removed. However, if you are diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it can be surgically removed.
PCOS affects 5 to 10 percent of women, and can possibly have negative effects on the woman and so you need to treat it if you have it.
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References
Balakrishnan, D. (2018). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Early Pregnancy Loss. Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research, 6(5).
Diamanti-Kandarkis, E. (2007). Insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Totowa, NJ: Humana.
NWHRC Health Center – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. (2006). [Place of publication not identified]: [publisher not identified].
