Polycystic ovary disease

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Endocrine glands

Pelvic laparoscopy

Female reproductive anatomy

Stein-Leventhal syndrome

Polycystic ovary disease

Alternative Names:

Polycystic ovaries; Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS); Stein-Leventhal syndrome; Polyfollicular ovarian disease.
Treatment:

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Medications used to treat the symptoms of polycystic ovary disease include birth control pills, spironolactone, flutamide, and clomiphene citrate. Treatment with clomiphene induces the pituitary gland to produce more FSH, which in turn stimulates maturity and release of the ova. Occasionally, more potent ovulation induction agents (fertility drugs, human menopausal gonadotropins) are needed for pregnancy.

Weight reduction, which may be very difficult, is also very important. For those with polycystic ovaries who are overweight, weight loss can reduce insulin resistance, stimulate ovulation, and improve fertility rates. Sometimes, part of the treatment for polycystic ovaries is use of insulin sensitizing medication like metformin.

Expectations (prognosis):

Pregnancy may be achieved with appropriate treatment.

Complications:

Sterility
Obesity-related conditions, like high blood pressure and diabetes
Increased the risk of endometrial cancer -- this is because the endometrium (lining of the uterine wall that sheds when you menstruate) can get thicker and thicker (hyperplasia) due to the lack of ovulation
Possible increased risk of breast cancer

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are experiencing the symptoms of this disorder.