What is pcos

However, some women with this disorder do not have cysts, while some women without the disorder do develop cysts. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary. This happens so it can be fertilized by a male sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, it is sent out of the body during your period. These cysts make hormones called androgens. Women with PCOS often have high levels of androgens.

And it can cause many of the symptoms of PCOS. Treatment for PCOS is often done with medication. The exact cause of PCOS is not clear. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse. Your health care provider will ask about your medical history and your symptoms.

You will also have a physical exam. This will likely include a pelvic exam. This exam checks the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body. Some of the symptoms of PCOS are like those caused by other health problems. Because of this, you may also have tests such as:. This test uses sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Synovial cysts are fluid-filled lumps that typically develop on the lower spine.

They are generally harmless and often do not cause symptoms. A doctor may detect enlarged ovaries during an ultrasound or physical examination. The ovaries can become enlarged for several reasons, including…. What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, M. What is PCOS? Tests and diagnosis. Home remedies. Pregnancy and menopause. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Home remedies for ovarian cyst symptoms. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

However, some diets may have advantages over others. Studies comparing diets for PCOS have found that low carbohydrate diets are effective for both weight loss and lowering insulin levels. A low glycemic index low GI diet that gets most carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps regulate the menstrual cycle better than a regular weight loss diet A few studies have found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least 3 days a week can help women with PCOS lose weight.

Losing weight with exercise also improves ovulation and insulin levels Exercise is even more beneficial when combined with a healthy diet.

Diet plus exercise helps you lose more weight than either intervention alone, and it lowers your risks for diabetes and heart disease There is some evidence that acupuncture can help with improving PCOS, but more research is needed PCOS treatment starts with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Birth control pills and other medications can help regulate the menstrual cycle and treat PCOS symptoms like hair growth and acne.

These hormones come in a pill , patch , or vaginal ring. Metformin Glucophage, Fortamet is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It also treats PCOS by improving insulin levels. One study found that taking metformin while making changes to diet and exercise improves weight loss, lowers blood sugar, and restores a normal menstrual cycle better than changes to diet and exercise alone Eflornithine Vaniqa cream is a prescription drug that slows hair growth.

Laser hair removal and electrolysis can get rid of unwanted hair on your face and body. Ovarian drilling is a procedure that makes tiny holes in the ovary with a laser or thin heated needle to restore normal ovulation. Birth control pills and the diabetes drug metformin can help bring back a normal menstrual cycle. Clomiphene and surgery improve fertility in women with PCOS. Hair removal medications can help women remove unwanted hair. Also, keep in mind that if you do not wish to get pregnant, irregular or absent periods are not birth control in themselves.

It may still be possible to get pregnant even under these conditions. If you have PCOS, plan regular visits with your primary care doctor. See your doctor if your body has skipped periods, or you have other PCOS symptoms like hair growth on your face or body. High levels of male hormones also lead to unwanted symptoms like hair growth on the face and body.

Lifestyle interventions are the first treatments doctors recommend for PCOS, and they often work well. Weight loss can treat PCOS symptoms and improve the odds of getting pregnant.

Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight. Birth control pills and metformin can both restore more normal menstrual cycles and relieve PCOS symptoms. Menstrual cycles often bring about a wide array of uncomfortable symptoms leading up to your period. Premenstrual syndrome PMS encompasses the most…. It's related to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of insulin in their body and produce higher levels of insulin to overcome this.

This contributes to the increased production and activity of hormones like testosterone. Being overweight or obese also increases the amount of insulin your body produces.

There's no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be treated. Speak to a GP if you think you may have the condition.