What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?

It is a condition where a hormonal imbalance leads to enlargement of the ovaries and can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin and other problems

The common symptoms of PCOS include:

  • Altered Menstrual Patterns (amenorrhoea,         oligomenorrhoea);
  • Infertility (generally as a result of anovulation);
  • Hyperandrogenism - hirsuitism, acne.

PCOS increases the risk for the following conditions to occur:

· Endometrial hyperplasia and cancer of the endometrium (uterine lining);

· Insulin Resistance/Type II Diabetes;

· Hypertension (High Blood Pressure);

· Depression and or Anxiety;

· Disorders of lipid metabolism;

· Cardiovascular Disease;

· Strokes;

· Acanthosis Nigricans (Patches of darkened skin);

· Weight Gain;

· Miscarriage

· Autoimmune thyroiditis

     First described in 1935 by Stein and Leventhal in the United States, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-10% of women aged 12-45 years old.  It was first known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome and at the time was considered to be a condition of anovulation (no ovulation) and infertility and associated with amenorrhoea (no menses) or oligomenorrhoea (very irregular menses), hirsutism, hypertension and obesity.  It has been thought for many years that only those women who had all of the symptoms had the condition, however it is now known that PCOS is more prevalent than previously believed and it can occur in women who are not obese or hypertensive.

     The symptoms are vague and as a result a diagnosis could take years before it is made. Stephanie Dunnington expresses the frustration felt by so many women in her testimony in the book "In Their Own Words: Women Healed".   The following is an excerpt taken from her testimony:

      "Of course, I want to get pregnant, but I want to know what's wrong with me first? Disappointed again...I found myself frustrated as I left the doctor's office with my unread charting in one hand and a prescription for Clomid in the other."

      Diagnosing PCOS is based on the finding of several factors. The clinical evidence of the symptoms described above and the exclusion of other related conditions through blood testing. In women who are charting with the Creighton Model System it is possible to see a recognizable pattern in their cycles, these are usually long and irregular and they tend to have a limited mucus cycle.

       An ultrasound scan will show the presence of cysts in the ovaries.  The classical sign is that of the Follicles (cysts) all lined up in the periphery of the ovary, which when seen by Ultrasound Scan gives the appearance of a "string of pearls".  However, it may just be numerous cysts that are seen.  Also women may have multiple cysts in the ovary and be asymptomatic. 

Thus PCOS is the term given to the ultrasound scan appearance together with the presence of the other symptoms.

      If a laparoscopic operation is required the ovaries may show a smooth, pearl-white, thickened outer surface.  An operation is not required to confirm the diagnosis.

 

      NaProTechnology® treatment of PCOS is tailored to the individual woman, it will depend on whether she and her husband are trying to conceive.  For couples with infertility, treatments to stimulate ovulation  are used with close monitoring by tracking the cycle. 

       As women with PCOS have long and irregular cycles and few or no ovulations, the endometrium is likely to be over stimulated and the concern is the risk of endometrical cancer.  The endometrium is stimulated by the continuous oestrogen.  For this reason Progesterone treatment at the appropriate time is used for these ladies and the cycles are therefore regulated. 

       If surgical treatment is necessary the recommendation is an ovarian wedge resection.

All the other symptoms listed above need to be addressed and treated appropriately. 

In conclusion, PCOS is a multi-factorial condition which requires appropriate monitoring, diagnosis and treatment for women with this syndrome to restore their health and fertility.