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  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    That's correct! You've provided a comprehensive and accurate overview of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is indeed a syndrome characterized by a combination of symptoms rather than a single specific condition. The diagnosis of PCOS involves a combination of clinical manifestations, hormone level assessments, and ultrasound imaging of the ovaries.

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    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/endocrinologist">Endocrinologist</a> discusses polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis and treatment.</p>

    Endocrinologist discusses polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis and treatment.

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    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/endocrinologist">Endocrinologist</a> discusses treatment for risks from PCOS.</p>

    Endocrinologist discusses treatment for risks from PCOS.

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    <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/endocrinologist">Endocrinologist</a> discusses the diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).</p>

    Endocrinologist discusses the diagnosis of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

  • Treating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome to Improve Fertility

    You're correct that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be associated with infertility and an increased risk of early miscarriages. PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age, and it can cause irregular or absent menstrual cycles, anovulation (lack of ovulation), and multiple small cysts on the ovaries.

                      

    If a woman with PCOS is trying to conceive and has been unsuccessful after six to 12 months of trying, it is generally recommended to seek medical evaluation and assistance. This is because PCOS can affect fertility and may require specialized treatment to improve the chances of getting pregnant.

    While home ovulation kits and basal body temperature charting can be useful for tracking ovulation in women without PCOS, they may not be as accurate in women with the condition due to hormonal imbalances and irregular cycles. Therefore, it is advisable for women with PCOS to undergo formal hormonal testing and evaluations by a healthcare professional. These tests may include measuring hormone levels, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), androgens (e.g., testosterone), and possibly an ultrasound to assess ovarian function and the presence of cysts.

    Based on the evaluation, healthcare professionals can provide appropriate guidance and treatment options to enhance fertility in women with PCOS. Treatments may include lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, dietary changes, exercise), medications to induce ovulation (such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole), or other assisted reproductive technologies, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

    It's important for women with PCOS who are trying to conceive to work closely with their healthcare team, which may include a gynecologist, reproductive endocrinologist, or fertility specialist. They can provide personalized advice and support to optimize the chances of a successful pregnancy.

    In cases where overweight or obesity is a contributing factor to fertility issues, weight loss can play a significant role in improving fertility outcomes. Here's some more information on the topic:

    1. Enhancing ovulation: Losing weight can help regulate hormonal imbalances and improve ovulation in women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of infertility. Excess weight can disrupt the normal hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation difficulties.

    2. Natural conception: For some women, achieving a healthy weight may be sufficient to restore regular ovulation and increase the chances of natural conception without the need for further fertility treatments.

    3. Reducing pregnancy complications: Maintaining a healthy weight before conception is crucial as obesity during pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. Losing weight prior to pregnancy can help reduce these risks.

    4. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In cases where weight loss alone is not sufficient to achieve pregnancy, undergoing fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may still be necessary. However, being at a healthier weight can improve the success rates of these treatments.

    It's important to approach weight loss in a healthy and sustainable manner. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a registered dietitian, can help you develop a personalized weight loss plan that takes into account your specific needs and goals. They can guide you with proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to support your fertility journey while ensuring overall well-being.

    You may be referred to a fertility clinic for further testing and treatment. The treatment options that are available first are medications that you just take for five days and these are medications that basically push the ovary to ovulate and to release the egg.  If those don’t work, then of course there are hormonal, usually medications in the form of injections, that women take to basically override and induce a regular menstrual cycle.  And, of course, lastly there are other options such as in vitro fertilization that can be used.

    So another treatment option that’s unique to women in polycystic ovary syndrome for infertility are drugs that decrease insulin resistance such as metformin. In studies, it hasn’t been shown to be as successful as other fertility treatments, but it can be helpful in regulating your periods, helpful with a bit of weight loss and has a success rate of almost 50 percent of ovulation. So it could be considered as a treatment option either alone or in addition to other treatments. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.    

    So if you have any difficulty with infertility, it’s important to see your physician and have a discussion in regards to the evaluation and treatment options.

     

  • Role of Insulin Treatment in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. One of the key features of PCOS is insulin resistance, which means that the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin.

    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used as energy or stored for future use. When cells become resistant to insulin, the body compensates by producing more insulin to try to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This leads to elevated insulin levels in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia.

    The increased insulin levels in PCOS can have various effects on the body. Some of the complications associated with insulin resistance in PCOS include:

    1. Abnormal glucose metabolism: Insulin resistance impairs the ability of cells to take up glucose effectively, leading to higher levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This can contribute to the development of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

    2. Weight gain and difficulty losing weight: Insulin resistance can make it more challenging for individuals with PCOS to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Elevated insulin levels promote fat storage and inhibit the breakdown of stored fats.

    3. Dyslipidemia: Insulin resistance is often accompanied by abnormalities in blood lipid levels, such as elevated triglycerides and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

    4. Hyperandrogenism: Insulin resistance can stimulate the production of androgens (male hormones) in the ovaries. This hormonal imbalance is one of the main causes of the symptoms associated with PCOS, such as excessive hair growth, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.

    5. Fertility issues: Insulin resistance and the resulting hormonal imbalances can interfere with normal ovulation and make it more difficult for women with PCOS to conceive.

    Managing insulin resistance in women with PCOS often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. Lifestyle changes may include a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and minimizing stress. Medications such as metformin, which improves insulin sensitivity, may be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. In some cases, hormonal therapies such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications may be recommended to address specific symptoms or restore menstrual regularity.

    It's important for individuals with PCOS to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and reduces the risk of complications associated with insulin resistance.

     Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.    

    In the ovary, it can increase male hormone production and therefore put you at risk for polycystic ovary syndrome and its associated symptoms. In the blood vessels, it can put you at risk of high blood pressure, it can affect your cholesterol levels, raising your bad cholesterol and your triglycerides and lowering your good cholesterol so all these factors potentially put you at risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the future.

    So it’s important to see your physician and have this discussion and an evaluation to screen you for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities as well as other complications such as sleep apnea which can cause fatigue and further weight gain and to reduce those risks with changes in diet and exercise initially and even medications as needed.

    The symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person, and not all women with PCOS will experience every symptom. The most common symptoms include irregular menstrual periods, signs of excess androgen levels (such as hirsutism, acne, and male-pattern baldness), and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. However, it's important to note that the presence of polycystic ovaries alone is not enough for a diagnosis of PCOS.

    Diagnosing PCOS involves ruling out other potential causes for the symptoms and confirming the presence of certain criteria. These criteria include the presence of irregular menstrual cycles, clinical or biochemical signs of excess androgens, and the exclusion of other related disorders. Healthcare providers may perform blood tests to assess hormone levels, including androgens and other hormonal imbalances.

    Additionally, ultrasound imaging of the ovaries may be conducted to visualize the follicles. However, it's important to remember that not all women with PCOS will have polycystic ovaries, and the presence of cysts alone does not establish a diagnosis.

    Once a diagnosis is confirmed, healthcare providers can work with individuals to manage the symptoms and potential long-term implications of PCOS. Treatment approaches may involve lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as medications to address specific symptoms and promote regular menstrual cycles. Regular follow-up and monitoring are important to assess the effectiveness of treatment and address any emerging concerns.

    It's worth noting that PCOS is a complex condition, and the management approach may differ from person to person based on their individual needs and goals. Regular communication with healthcare providers is crucial for ongoing care and support.

    The Endocrinologists on this site are in good standing with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and  Canadian Diabetes Association and the Canadian Medical Association

    Key Words: Blood Glucose Monitor, Novel Diabetes Medications, Diabetes, Obesity, Protecting Kidneys Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Diabetes Nutrition, Obesity and Diabetes, Lipohypertrophy

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