It's confirmed in paper. I am officially diagnosed with bilateral polycystic ovaries (PCO). I got some of the accompanying symptoms/syndromes too, so, that's why it's called PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome.
For the benefit of those reading this, I have below a general description of what PCOS is. I want you, my dear readers, to understand what I am going through.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Abbreviated PCOS. Polcystic ovary syndrome is a condition in women characterized by irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. PCOS is a disorder of chronically abnormal ovarian function and hyperandrogenism (abnormally elevated androgen levels). It affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is also called the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.
Women with PCOS do not ovulate -- they do not release an egg every month -- and they are at significantly higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss.
Medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods, thereby reducing the risk of uterine cancer. For acne and excess hair growth, the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactazide) can help. And for women who desire pregnancy, clomiphene (Clomid) can be used to induce ovulation.
Studies have indicated that diabetic medications that are designed to improve the action of the hormone insulin may benefit women with PCOS. Long-term trials of these insulin-sensitizing drugs -- such as Avandia (rosiglitazone), Actos (pioglitazone), and Glucophage (metformin) -- for PCOS are underway. The results appear promising. A type of surgery called a "wedge resection" in which a piece of the ovary is removed also helps some women with PCOS.
The cause of PCOS is unknown. However, the ovaries of women with the disease characteristically contain a large number of small cysts. Hence, the name polycystic ovary.
Other common names are polycystic ovary disease, polycystic ovarian disease, and POD.Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein–Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and uterine cancer. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Source: http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4981
I am now under metformin, the medicine I detested from the start due to the side effects it inflicted on my body (dizzying spells and vomiting) but now, I NEED to take it for me to be able to manage my PCO and also to avoid the long term effects too (diabetes, heart dieasese, etc.). I switched drug manufacturers; hopefully, I'll not experience the dizzying spells and vomiting now. I can still remember how harrowing the experience was before =( .
Again, lifestyle change. This has been pointed out to me again and again. I hear you. My life took a 360 degree turn last February. That's why, I enrolled in a gym (you read it right, I am now a local gym-rat =) ), which reminds me, I have an appointment with my trainer this afternoon =) .
I also modified my eating habits. I'm not eating anything white, no white rice, white bread, white sugar. I also try to avoid eating processed food. I make sure I complete my 3 meals a-day, having breakfast as my heaviest meal. Any deviation from this will wreck havoc in my hormones and metabolism.
Ahhhhh!!! the things I will do to make things alright.. I know, and, am POSITIVE, that things will turn out for the better. Don't lose the faith, as they say =) .
