Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and whyAre there any long term effects if PCOS is left
does it occur?untreated?
PCOS is a common endocrine disorder. The primaryEven if specific symptoms are not causing an
lesion is unknown. Patients have a steady state ofimmediate problem, PCOS can have significant
relatively high estrogen, androgen and Leutinizinglong-term effects, including diabetes, heart disease
Hormone (LH) rather than fluctuating condition seen inand endometrial or breast cancer. This happens
ovulating women. Increased levels of estrone comebecause of unopposed estrogen secretion. So
from conversion of ovarian and adrenal androgens toseeking treatment is critical.
estrone in body fat (in obesity cases). The highIn addition they show hyperinsulinemia and insulin
estrone levels are believed to cause suppression ofresistance which leads to early onset diabetes
pituitary Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and aType-II and therefore hyperlipidemia and its
relative increase in LH. Constant LH stimulation of thecomplications.
ovary results in anovulation, multiple cysts and thecaInvestigations :
cell hyperplasia with excess androgen output.FSH / LH Ratio
In addition, there is insulin resistance leading to highSerum total and free testosterone
levels of insulin in the blood which further leads toDHEA
weight gain and obesity.E2
Insulin - ResistanceThese above investigations should be done on the
Hyperinsulinemiasecond day of the menstrual cycle. Ultrasound
Excessive fatOvaries - many rely solely on this investigation not
Ovarian and adrenal androgens are converted torealizing that the percentage of successfully
estrone in excessive amounts.diagnosing PCOS by this method is only 30-60%.
High estrone levels suppress pituitary - FSH andHow Unani experts can help you manage your
relative increase in LH.condition?
Increased LH will result in.In obese patients with PCOS, weight reduction is
Anovulation - will lead to oligomenorrhoea.often effective. A decrease in body fat will lower the
Multiple cysts in ovariesconversion of androgens to estrone and thereby help
Theca cell hyperplasia.restore ovulation.
Increased androgen output : Acne, Alpecia, Hirsutism.Dietary modifications as for insulin resistance and
It is very important to distinguish between PCOdiabetes type II should be followed. Exercise has a
(polycystic ovaries) and (PCOS) polycystic ovarymajor role to play especially because of insulin
syndrome. Having PCO does not necesarily mean youresistance. Hirsuitism may be managed with epilation
have PCOS. A syndrome is usually defined as aand electrolysis. Spironolactone and aldosterone
pattern of symptoms belonging to particular disease.antagonist is also useful for hirsuitism.
Medical studies using ultrasound have found thatAs this condition affects the skin and hair there are
around one in four women has polycystic ovariesspecial cosmetological and dermatological treatments
(PCO), but most of them have none or few of theavailable in Unani medicine with excellent results for
other symptoms associated with (PCOS) polycysticacne and hirsuitism. This condition is often worsened
ovary syndrome.by stress, diet, smoking, alcohol and lack of exercise.
Excess hair on the body (hirsiutism) - Heavy periods.Out team of experts comprising of counselors,
Acne & other skin problems - Fertility problemdoctors, cosmetologist, dermatologist and fitness
Scalp hair loss - Insulin resistanceexperts ensure that special care is taken to improve
Irregular or missed periods - Weight issues.your health status.
Did you know PCOS can lead to obesity and obesityThe diet for all facets of PCOS i.e. overweight, insulin
leads to infertility?resistance, acne, etc. is complicated and is pain
Did you know people with a strong will power canstakingly organized and implemented by our dieticians.
lose weight and improve their PCOS - a leading causeThis is done after taking a meticulous history both
of infertility?dietary and medical. A BCA (Body Composition
Did you know the first line management includes dietAnalysis), BMI and waist hip ratio helps to decide the
modification, weight loss and stress reduction?exact therapy for the individual.