Hi girls,
Found this site on another forum and its very helpful for us girlk with pcos x
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What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic simply means 'many cysts' and describes the appearance of the ovary on ultrasound scan. On the scan a polycystic ovary is larger than normal with a ring of many cysts around the edge. The cysts are follicles, some are immature but contain an egg, and others are empty. A polycystic ovary contains at least ten cysts just below the surface, and although each cyst only measures between two and eight millimetres, together they make the ovary enlarged. The covering of the ovary (the capsule) thickens, which makes release of the egg difficult.
The diagram of the normal ovary showns a growing follicle and the empty follicle (called the corpus luteum) that is left behind after the release of the egg at ovulation. The diagram of the polycystic ovary showns the many cysts around the edge of the ovary.
Polycystic ovaries are common. About one in five women have them, and generally they present no problems. But when they are accompanied by some, or all, of the symptoms described below, you may be told that you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is sometimes called Stein-Leventhal syndrome after the doctors who first described it in 1935.
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Symptoms of PCOS
Irregular or absent periods
Most women with PCOS do not ovulate because their follicles never ripen enough to reach the ovary's surface and burst. Some women ovulate occasionally. So you may not have any periods, or they may be very irregular and scanty. Women with PCOS may start their periods late and they may also always have irregular cycles. On the other hand some women may have heavy irregular bleeding because of the poor hormone control.
Infertility
If you have PCOS you will only be ovulating occasionally or not at all, so getting pregnant without treatment may be difficult or impossible. Many women do not go to their doctors with irregular periods until they start trying to have a baby. You may only find out then that you have polycystic ovaries.
Miscarriage
There may be an increased risk of miscarriage for women who do become pregnant.
Unwanted body hair
Many women with PCOS experience unwanted hair on their face, chest, abdomen, arms and legs. Hair growth might be quite thick and noticeable, especially if you have dark hair. Some women also notice a slight thinning of their head hair.
Acne
Some women with PCOS have spots on their face, chest and back. Many women who go to their doctor with adult acne find they have polycystic ovaries.
Weight gain
You may find that you put on weight easily. If you put on a lot of weight you may be at increased risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes later in life.
Pelvic discomfort
Some women with PCOS feel occasional discomfort in their abdomen.
Feelings about having PCOS
With the possible combination of all or some of these symptoms, it is hardly surprising that many women find living with PCOS a distressing experience.
We all experience continual daily exposure to images of female perfection, idealising smooth skinned, slim models who breeze through periods then effortlessly become mothers at the desired time.
Although not all women with PCOS experience all of the symptoms, any of them can have an effect on the way you view yourself, leaving you with feelings of low self-esteem. Thoughtless comments from others, including doctors, can be very upsetting.
If you want to talk to other women with similar experiences, contact the support group Verity. See the Resources section for their details.
Diagnosis
PCOS may be diagnosed when you go to the doctor with one of the symptoms listed above. The doctor may then ask about other symptoms and may examine you internally to see if your ovaries are enlarged.
Your doctor may also take a blood sample to check your hormone levels, and may want you to have an ultrasound scan. Modern ultrasound is very sensitive and can detect small cysts.
If the diagnosis is unclear, for example if it is suspected that you may also have endometriosis or scar tissue due to previous pelvic infection, you may be offered a laparoscopy.
A laparoscopy allows the surgeon to look at the outside of the womb and at ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can also be used to take tissue samples. It involves making two small cuts, in the lower abdomen and near the navel. Air is passed into the pelvic cavity to lift the abdominal wall away from the internal organs, and a small viewing instrument (the laparoscope) is inserted through one of the incisions (see the diagram on the right). An instrument used to manipulate the pelvic organs is inserted through the other small cut. The operation usually takes about 30 minutes and is done in hospital. You will be given a general anaesthetic before the procedure and will have a few stitches afterwards.
Two small scars are left, and you may feel some discomfort, but you should be back to normal within a week. You should be told about what was found before you go home.
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