PCOS symptoms

[Penmai]

The common symptoms of PCOS are the following,

• Irregular periods due to the lack of ovulation (Anovulation)
• Infertility
• Obesity and weight gain.
• Acne and Dandruff
• Skin tags and discolorations
• Excessive facial and body hair growth (Hirsuitism)
• Thinning of scalp hair
• Weight in abdominal area

[chitrakumar]

I had heard that eating broiler chicken also cause the risk of getting PCOD. Is that is true??? If so Why?

[sumi]

Yeah i had also heard about that through newspapers. The reason they said is "Broilers will be injected with hormonal injection to increase the weight". so this will cause some hormonal fluctuations in human beings.

[nlakshmi]

PCOS

The diagnosis of PCOS is typically a clinical one. These patients are typically overweight andhave 6 or fewer cycles per year, thus, by definition have decreased or absent ovulation. Nevertheless, many women with PCOS are very thin (or not overweight) and simply have irregular cycles (perhaps cycles every 45-90 days or more). PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women and may also be associated with elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) and ovaries that have multiple follicles (cysts) on their surface. PCOS patients are often resistant to insulin, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia. The elevated levels of insulin lead to overproduction of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries.
Elevated levels of androgens cause the expression of male characteristics such as increased body hair (hirsuitism) and acne. PCOS patients often have a characteristic "pear shaped" body appearance, exhibit irregular ovulation, and are overweight. However, women who are not overweight can also have PCOS. Weight reduction will often correct PCOS because androgens are also converted to estrogens in the fat cells. It is very difficult for women with PCOS to looseweight.
Women with suspected PCOS should see a reproductive endocrinologist for a complete evaluation. PCOS is a complex condition and patients must be carefully managed as it can have long term health consequences such as diabetes and increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Anovulatory (no ovulation) or oligoovulatory (decreased frequency of ovulation) in women with PCOS are usually initially treated with Clomid (clomiphene citrate). The starting dose is 50 mg or 100mg for five days of the menstrual cycle. If ovulation occurs, as evidenced by ultrasound confirmation of follicular development, or elevated levels of progesterone, Clomid may be continued for three to six months. Clomid may be increased by 50 mg each cycle if ovulation does not occur at a lower dose. The usual maximum dose is 200 - 250mg for 5 days (cycle days 3-7 or 5-9).
Many specialists now use Glucophage (metformin) as a "first line" treatment for PCOS. Metformin sensitizes the cells to insulin and corrects the underlying problem of hyperinsulinemia (elevated insulin). Once this condition is corrected, the ovaries reduce their production of androgens and ovulation can occur in up to 20% of patients without the additional use of Clomid. Sometimes Clomid and Metformin are given simultaneously. Many specialists recommend continuing metformin therapy "long term" to help prevent the adverse health consequences such as diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk.
If regular ovulation is not established with Clomid, metformin, or Clomid & Metformin; follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is the next step. FSH (injectable drugs) with intrauterine insemination is also employed as the "next step" when pregnancy has not occurred after three to six ovulatory cycles on the Clomid or metformin regimens.
All PCOS patients undergoing ovulation induction with FSH should be managed by a reproductive endocrinologist. PCOS patients have a higher incidence of complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Dosages must be carefully adjusted based upon estradiol hormone levels, ultrasound measurements, and clinical experience.

ref:fertilitytoday