Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder which can cause many symptoms, such as infertility, weight gain, insulin resistance and excess body hair. Affecting approximately one in 10 women, polycystic ovary syndrome has no cure. The cause is unknown, and because of this, treatment addresses the individual symptoms instead of the whole condition. PCOS can be managed through a combination of medications, diet and exercise.
Infrequent Menstruation or Amenorrhea
This symptom is caused by hormone imbalances. Women with PCOS can exhibit an excess of male hormones, or androgens. Treatment for this symptom can be as simple as hormonal birth control.
Insulin Resistance
Resistance to the body's own insulin causes the body to produce more insulin than necessary when presented with fuel, which causes that fuel to be stored as fat. Treatment for insulin resistance can be done with a low carbohydrate diet, which lessens the need for insulin to be produced. The drug metformin can also be effective.
Weight gain
While women with PCOS and insulin resistance may find it difficult to lose weight, exercise is still an important factor in managing PCOS. It builds lean muscle tissue which helps the body burn calories more effectively, which can lead to more efficient weight loss.
Infertility
As PCOS is a leading cause of unexplained infertility, women with this condition often have trouble conceiving and carrying a baby. Fertility drugs such as clomiphene citrate and follitropin alfa injections are used to stimulate ovulation and can be combined with intercourse, insemination or in-vitro ferilization.
Excess Hair
Male pattern baldness and excess body hair are a sign of the elevated androgens in a PCOS sufferer. These can be treated with anti-androgen medications such as Spironolactone. These medications are not appropriate for women who are trying to conceive.
Tags: body hair, excess body, excess body hair, insulin resistance, with PCOS