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  1. Polycystic ovary syndrome
    Polycystic ovary syndromeEndocrine disorder
    OverviewSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentsDoctors
     
  2. Copilot Answer
    Also known as: PCOS
    A common hormonal disorder that affects ovaries in women during childbearing years. This results in irregular menstrual cycle.
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Often requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several years or be lifelong
    Condition Highlight
    Common for ages 18-35
    Condition Highlight
    More common in females
    Condition Highlight
    Family history may increase likelihood
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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • The exact cause of PCOS is unknown.
    • Factors that might play a role include:
    • Excess androgen: the ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen (male hormone), resulting in hirsutism (excessive facial hair) and acne.
    • Heredity: Research suggests that certain genes might be linked to PCOS.
    • Excess insulin: Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows cells to use glucose - body's primary energy supply. If cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then blood sugar levels can rise and body might produce more insulin.
    • Low-grade inflammation: Research has shown that women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe in obese females. Common symptoms include:

    • Amenorrhoea (missed periods) or irregular periods
    • Unwanted hair growth (excessive facial hair)
    • Thinning hair on the head
    • Acne
    • Mood changes
    • Sleep problems
    • Infertility
    • Depression
    • Weight gain
    • Fatigue

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    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    PCOS treatment focuses on managing individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication.

    Medication

    Birth control pills: These pills alleviate pain, regulate menstrual cycle reduce level of male hormones like testosterone.

    Drospirenone

    Anti-androgens: These drugs bring down level of androgen, which leads to excessive hair growth and acne.

    Spironolactone

    Fertility drugs: Quite conducive for administrating and expediting ovulation among women who are facing fertility issues due to PCOD.

    Clomiphene citrate

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    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    PCOS does not have definitive diagnostic procedures. Doctors start with a discussion of medical history, including menstrual periods and variations in weight. A physical exam will include checking for signs of excess hair growth, insulin resistance and acne.

    Common tests & procedures

    Pelvic examination: Examination of the reproductive organs for masses, growths or other abnormalities.

    Hormone test: A blood test to measure levels of hormones such as testosterone, prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and adrenal gland hormones.

    Ultrasound: Physician checks the appearance of ovaries and the thickness of the lining of uterus.

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