PCOD

PCOS ( Polycystic ovarian syndrome )

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known as PCOD ( polycystic ovarian disease) or Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

Women suffering from polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) have enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts. The ovary produces excessive amounts of androgen and estrogenic hormones.

The typical history is that of irregular menstrual cycles, which are unpredictable and can be very heavy. Women with PCOS are often overweight and may have hirsutism, (excessive facial and body hair) as a result of the high androgen levels. Not all women with PCOS have all or any of these symptoms.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by vaginal ultrasound, which shows that both the ovaries are enlarged with multiple small follicles, usually arranged in the form of a necklace along the periphery of the ovary. Typically, blood tests show a high dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) level; a high LH level and normal FSH level and a high AMH level. Many women with PCOS also have elevated insulin levels because of insulin resistance.