Do You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

This complex disorder raises the risk for diabetes, heart disease and infertility.

Symptoms to Watch For

• No menstruation within two years of breast development
• Skipped menstrual periods or periods more than six weeks apart
• Severe acne
• Male-pattern hair growth or hair loss
• More than a year of trying to get pregnant without success

• Obesity accompanied by any of the above

“It’s my metabolism.” For about four million overweight women, that’s not just an excuse—it’s a fact. They’re suffering from a complex metabolic and hormonal disorder very few of us know anything about. It’s called polycystic ovary syndrome, and it affects 5 to 10 percent of American women from the teens through the child-bearing years.

Symptoms are troublesome
Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when high levels of an-drogens, or male hormones, interfere with normal ovulation and metabolism (the process by which our bodies produce energy). “Weight gain is just one of the symptoms,” says reproductive endocrinologist Albert Peters, D.O., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Menstruation becomes irregular or stops, and the ovaries enlarge and produce cysts that don’t go away.

“The long-term consequences of the disorder—increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and infertility—are the most serious,” Peters says. “But the cosmetic effects are usually what bring women to the doctor.” These include severe acne, excess hair growth on the face, chest and back, dark patches on the neck and persistent weight problems.

The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can begin to appear during puberty, says Sarah Stevens, M.D., adolescent medicine specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Many adolescents without this disorder already struggle with self-confidence and body image,” she says. “Add the acne, facial hair and obesity of polycystic ovary syndrome and you have the potential for a very unhappy teenager.”

Diagnosis can be challenging
Problems like acne and irregular periods can occur in any teen, so doctors may need to run further tests to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome. These include testosterone, insulin, glucose and lipid levels, and tests to rule out thyroid problems or pregnancy. “Unfortunately there is no single test for the disorder,” Stevens says. “It’s a tricky diagnosis, especially in younger teens. The key is to talk with your doctor.”

Though the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome isn’t yet known, evidence points to a genetic defect. “It’s helpful to know your family medical history,” Stevens says. “Sisters and daughters of a woman with the syndrome are at higher risk.”

Early treatment is key
Researchers haven’t yet found a cure for polycystic ovary syndrome. But getting treated as early as possible greatly reduces symptoms like acne and hair growth, and may reduce the long-term health risks of the condition. Treatment includes:

Good ol’ diet and exercise—“Regular exercise and a healthy diet low in carbohydrates are mainstays of treatment,” Peters says. “Exercise helps control insulin production and weight gain. It also can elevate your mood, making it easier to stay motivated with a diet.”

Birth control pills—These protect the ovaries by decreasing androgens and balancing and regulating hormone levels. They also may help with skin and hair symptoms as well as fertility.

Insulin-lowering drugs—Metformin, developed for type 2 diabetes, shows promise in reducing insulin and androgen levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Emotionally, the diagnosis itself can be a real relief. “If you’re a teen or adult woman who’s been struggling—sometimes for many years—with acne, hair growth, excess weight and other symptoms, knowing that your problem has a name and is not your fault is tremendously reassuring,” Stevens says. With your doctor’s help, you can find ways to minimize the symptoms and protect your health for the long term.

Want to Know More about resources for women with polycystic ovary syndrome? Call 610-402-CARE for a list or download it now.

ARTICLE TOOLS: