Approximately 1 in ten women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Also called Stein Leventhal Syndrome, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a metabolic disorder caused by hormonal imbalances. The hormonal imbalances not only affect ovulation and fertility, but they can also have other negative health consequences. PCOS is responsible for 90% of women with infrequent menstrual cycles, 30% of women with no menstrual cycles, and 70% of women who fail to ovulate.

Researchers do not fully understand Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Women with PCOS have more androgens and less estrogen and progesterone than normal women. Although all women have androgens, if the levels are too high, they will not be able to ovulate. Rather than the egg being released at the time of ovulation, the egg remains in a fluid-filled sac. Consequently, the ovary enlarges. When the egg remains in the ovary, estrogen is no longer produced, and instead male hormones are produced which further suppresses ovulation. Some researchers think insulin resistance is linked with PCOS since excess insulin appears to increase the production of androgens. Other researchers think it is linked to obesity. Regardless of the reason, many of the symptoms associated with obesity and insulin resistance are also associated with PCOS.

There are numerous signs and symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The symptoms may be:

• Obesity - Approximately 40% to 70% of women with PCOS suffer from obesity, especially around the abdomen. Women may have problems maintaining their weight.
• Hirsutism - Approximately 70% of women with PCOS suffer from hirsutism. Hirsutism is male-pattern hair growth on women. Hair may occur on the face, chest, abdomen, nipples, back, or inner thighs.
• Male-pattern hair loss
• Acne and clogged pores
• Darkened and thickened skin around the neck, armpits, or breasts. This is called acanthosis nigricans.
• Skin tags on the neck or armpits
• Insulin resistance or diabetes. It's estimated that 30% to 60% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when the body in not able to effectively utilize insulin, and the pancreas has to produce more insulin to regulate the blood glucose levels. In addition to being a factor for PCOS, it can also cause obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and heart disease.
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Anxiety or depression
• Ovarain cysts
• Pelvic pain
• Infertility
• Lack of ovulation
• Infrequent or absent menstrual cycles

Because PCOS is a multsystem disorder, there is no single diagnostic criterion. If a women experiences infertility, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, and masculinizing traits, a doctor will usually perform a physical examination followed by blood work and a transvaginal ultrasound. The blood work usually consists of FSH/LH, DHEA/Testosterone, Thyroid function, Prolactin, Glucose Tolerance Test, and Cholesterol. These tests are used to rule out another disease or confirm the symptoms of pcos.

Polycystic ovaries can be treated in a number of ways. Noninvasive treatments are used before surgical treatments. Sometimes treatments are used concurrently with each other. Noninvasive treatments for PCOS are:

• Weight loss - Although researchers are unsure whether obesity causes PCOS or vice versa, there is a strong link between obesity and PCOS. In a study by the Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal in Madrid, researchers found that overweight and obese Spanish women are five times more likely to have PCOS than women in a normal weight range. As little as a 5% weight loss through diet and exercise may correct or restore hyperandrogenism, ovulation, and fertility.
• Metformin - Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that makes the body more sensitive to insulin. Since high insulin levels are associated with excessive androgen levels, metformin may be helpful in restoring fertility and eliminating the masculine charactersitics associated with the disease.
• Clomiphene citrate - This drug stimulates the release of hormones needed for ovulation. Before being prescribed, a woman's estrogen levels and pituitary gland function must be normal. This therapy is normally used for three to six months. Longer use has not been found to be beneficial.Therefore, if conception has not occured within six months, the medication is discontinued.

If non-invasive treatments are unsuccessful in reducing the symptoms of PCOS and restoring fertility, there are two surgical treatments available. These two surgical treatments for pcos are ovarian drilling and an ovarian wedge resection. They work by destroying a small portion of the ovary. Women with pcos have higher levels of androgens which inhibit ovulation. When a portion of the ovary is destroyed, less androgens are produced and ovulation improves.

• Ovarian drilling - Ulike the ovarian wedge resection, ovarian drilling preserves more ovarian tissue and usually causes less scarrig and adhesions. Ovarian drilling is a laparoscopic procedure. Using an electrosurgical needle, 4 to 20 punctures are made in the ovaries. An electrical current passes through the needle and destroys a small part of the ovary.
• Ovarian wedge resection - Prior to the advent of clomiphene citrate in the mid-1960s and ovarian drilling, an ovarian wedge resection was used to treat PCOS. However, since this procedure may cause adhesions and scarring, it is not used very often any more.

Many supplements may help improve the conditions of PCOS too. Some of the following supplements have been found to be beneficial.

• Biotin - Biotin is a B vitamin. It can help with restoring hair loss, promoting healthy glucose levels, and reducing triglycerides and the bad form of cholesterol.
• Vitex (Chaste Berry) - This may be helpful with women who have ovulation and infertility problems. It can help with stimulating the production of progesterone, normalize the secretion of prolactin, and reduce acne.
• Carnitine - It can help with buring fat, promoting hair growth, and reducing obesity-related endothelial dysfunction.
• Cinnulin PF - It can help with promoting healthy glucose levels, antioxidant protection, supporting healthly blood flow, and reducing triglycerides.
• Fish Oil - It can help with insulin resitance, inflammation, heart disease risk, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, diabetes risk, depression, stress, elevated homocystiene levels, and excessive weight.
• Inositol - 5 - It can improve fat metabolism in the liver and improve ovulation.
• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) - It can improve insulin resistance, reduce homocysteine levels, and improve fertility in Clomid-resistant women.
• d-Pinitol - Controls weight and appetitie, improves insulin sensitivity, supports ovarian health.
• Saw Palmetto - It has an anti-androgenic effect and may improve hirsutism and acne.
• Cinnamon - It improves blood sugar levels and may help with appetite control.
• Chromium - It helps regulate blood sugar levels, controls appetite and weight, and reduces fat and cholesterol in the blood.

In addition to these supplements, a daily vitamin and mineral supplement is also important. However, before taking any supplement, consult with your physician first.

Even though PCOS is not fully understood, there are treatments available to restore fertility and avoid future health-related consequences. Weight loss, diet, and exercise are the first line of treatment. However, since women with PCOS have a difficult time losing weight, medications or supplements may be used in conjunction with dieting. If these treatments also fail to bring the desired results, ovarian drilling may be an option. If you have problems concieving after a year of trying or if you have any of the symptoms of PCOS, set up an appointment with your doctor for diagnostic testing.