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Treatment options for Polycystic Ovarian Syndromehome > reproductive health > polycystic ovarian syndromeAmong women, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility. While studies estimate that PCOS affects only 6% of women, its effects can be devastating. While the cause of PCOS has yet to be determined, it certainly wreaks havoc on a woman's reproductive system. Current research indicates a strong correlation between hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance, and PCOS. A vicious cycle ensues as insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar increase androgen levels within the body, thereby suppressing ovulation and causing many other symptoms including excess hair growth, weight gain, skin tags, acne and hair loss. If the condition goes undiagnosed over an extended period of time, as it often does, her ovaries become corroded with follicular cysts, making ovulation and normal reproductive cycles nearly impossible. Stopping the cycle of insulin resistance seems to be the key in treating PCOS and beginning to heal the reproductive system. A low-glycemic diet and developing an active lifestyle can help tremendously in breaking the cycle of insulin resistance. For some women, unfortunately, diet and exercise are not enough to regain fertility and stop the progress of symptoms. Pharmaceutical medication is often considered under these circumstances. Metformin or Glucophage, a drug used in Type II Diabetes, shows remarkable promise in treating sufferers of PCOS. Metformin, in treating the problem of insulin resistance, can often reduce high androgen levels and return ovulation and normal reproductive cycles to women who only experienced menstruation a few times per year. In extreme cases, surgery or fertility treatment such as Clomid or In Vitro Fertilization may be recommended. While certain conditions that effect fertility adversely, like PCOS, one cannot discount the positive effects that a healthy, low-glycemic diet and active lifestyle can hold in protecting reproductive health. More information is available from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, and the .gov site PCOS. |
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