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Polycystic Ovary (PCOS)
Polycystic Ovary (PCOS)
by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023
Additional names
This group contains additional names: - Isosexual virilization - Polycystic Ovaries
General
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where your ovaries does not work properly, and your ovulation cycle is disrupted. As a result, your female hormone levels are low, and your male hormones are higher than usual. It is a very common problem, and it effects women in childbearing age (15-45). Women with PCOS usually suffer from acne, excess facial hair and they are commonly overweight. Since women with PCOS does not ovulate regularly, it might be difficult to get pregnant.
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Signs & symptoms
Irregular, long and heavy menstrual cycle (getting you period less then 8 times a year) is one of the most common symptoms of PCOS. You might also suffer from thick and dark hair growing over your upper lip, chin, back and belly. Other symptoms include weight gain, acne and male pattern hair loss.
Diagnosis
*Physical exam*: your doctor will look for acne, excess body hair and wight gain *Blood tests*: to check your male and female hormone levels *Pelvic ultrasound* to demonstrate cysts in your ovaries In order to diagnose PCOS you will need to fill at least two out of the three criteria: high androgen (male hormones) levels, irregular periods and cystic ovaries.
Treatment
The most common treatment for polycystic ovaries is birth control pills. It will not cure the disease but will relief many of its symptoms. Your doctor may suggest additional medications to treat severe acne, excess facial hair and overweight. finally, if you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can improve many of your symptoms.
Note
☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike
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