Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO syndrome) is a metabolic disorder with multiple symptoms. Read here how doctors treat the syndrome.
What is PCO syndrome??
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, PCO syndrome) is the most common hormonal disorder in young women. About every tenth person is affected. Those who suffer from PCO syndrome have a increased levels of male sex hormones (androgens).
Affected women usually suffer for two reasons: First, the disease often leads to "masculinization with increased hair growth, to cycle disorders, acne and obesity.
On the other hand, the PCO syndrome can infertile make. About three out of four women with the disease have many small vesicles in their ovaries – the so-called polycystic ovaries, which give the disease its name. The vesicles do not mature completely in many patients. As a result, ovulation does not occur and those affected are unable to become pregnant. Risk of diabetes. Cardiovascular diseases.
PCO Syndrome: Treatment
PCO syndrome cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be alleviated treat well. The choice of therapy depends on what is most important to the patient: is she suffering from obesity and diabetes, problems with her skin and hair, or does she want to become pregnant?? Many women suffer from overweight in addition to PCO syndrome. A disturbed sugar metabolism. Sufferers may improve their symptoms if they take their Change lifestyle. Most manage to lose weight by exercising more and eating a healthier and more balanced diet. If overweight dogs lose as much as ten percent of their body weight, they can alleviate the typical symptoms of PCO syndrome: Body hair decreases, metabolism and menstrual cycle regulate, levels of male hormones decrease.
Treatment of PCO syndrome: medication
If the affected woman continues to have an irregular cycle and problems with skin and hair, the doctor usually prescribes a medication. The main things to consider are birth control pills for use. The contraceptive ensures that the body produces fewer male hormones. Women's menstrual cycle stabilizes, problems like acne and greasy hair improve.
Women who have a disturbed sugar metabolism and develop insulin resistance despite sport and a healthy diet are also given a drug. The drug of choice is Metformin, which many patients with type 2 diabetes take. The active ingredient helps to restore the metabolism to bring into balance. This is important to avoid secondary diseases such as a heart attack.
Treatment of PCO syndrome: desire for children
Women with PCO syndrome who want to get pregnant usually need to take medication. Most of the time, this is the remedy that is Clomiphene. The hormone medication causes the blisters in the fallopian tube to mature. The active ingredient metformin can additionally stimulate and increase the chance of getting pregnant. In this hormone therapy Dose very important. Too high a dose can cause women to retain water in their abdomen and chest. In addition, the probability of having multiples is increased.
A artificial insemination Is only considered in PCO syndrome if the woman does not become pregnant despite hormone treatment.
Treatment of PCO syndrome: alternative treatments
For some women, getting pregnant with the help of hormones feels unnatural. You are looking for a natural alternative, to fulfill their desire to have children despite PCO syndrome. Alternative practitioners offer a range of methods – including cycle teas, medicinal plants, acupuncture and fertility massages. The techniques can help reduce stress. However, the fact that the alternative treatments help get pregnant is not proven.
Treatment of PCO syndrome: psychological care
Some women feel their quality of life is severely limited by symptoms. Those affected with PCO syndrome are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the psychological aspect is also very important. A Therapy with a psychotherapist or stress reducing techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training help the affected women to cope better with the symptoms.
PCO syndrome: symptoms
Women with PCO syndrome typically have following complaints:
– Cycle disturbances: Menstruation occurs less frequently or stops altogether. – Increased hair on the face and upper body – Skin blemishes, acne – Greasy hair – Hair loss – Obesity – Disturbed sugar metabolism, diabetes – Infertility
These symptoms rarely occur all at once. Some signs can also already point to the PCO syndrome. Doctors diagnose the condition by measuring hormones and fats in the blood and by ultrasound examination of the fallopian tubes. To facilitate the diagnosis, experts have developed the so-called Rotterdam criteria set up.