glands. In PCOS, the ovaries often become enlarged and contain many small cysts. This increase in androgens may inhibit ovulation, and leads to continued estrogen production, but not progesterone, and thus irregular menstrual cycles.

In some women, the presence of estrogen without progesterone increases the risk for overgrowth of the endometrium (endometrial hyperplasia), and if untreated for a long time, may elevate the risk for uterine cancer. PCOS is linked to other diseases that occur later in life, such as diabetes, artherosclerosis, and hypertension.

Diagnosis and Treatment

PCOS is diagnosed by a combination of a detailed history taking, and physical exam, which may include blood tests, blood pressure evaluation, and an ultrasound.

Irregular periods associated with PCOS are generally treated with either progesterone or birth control pills, which will suppress the potential overgrowth of the uterine lining. Women wishing to become pregnant may be treated with fertility drugs instead. Another drug that is being used to treat infertility is metformin, an insulin sensitising agent used for Type II Diabetes.

Weight loss is often difficult for women with PCOS, but may be facilitated by the use of metformin as well as exercise, and proper diet. If an obese PCOS patient is succesful in losing weight, the symptoms will often be relieved. Weight loss can also lower the risk of other long term health conditions.

If woman is concerned about the possibilty of having PCOS, she should be counsuled to make an appointment with her OB/GYNE provider to discuss her concerns. It would be wise to have on hand a menstrual calander and a knowledge of a family history relating to the syndrome, including diabetes, irregular periods, infertility, obesity, and hypertension. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the risks of PCOS can be minimized by accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.