Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Abstract

In this term paper, the emphasis is given on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility problem due to it. PCOS is one of the common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. In this condition, what basically happens is the ovaries contain multiple cysts or follicles that develop but do not grow to maturity or produce eggs that are capable of being fertilized. Due to this problem of lack of ovulation, women with PCOS problem also suffer from major problem of infertility. In present scenario, researchers have yet not found the exact cause of PCOS but recent studies and present researches that are going on have come out with some causes like hormonal imbalance, resistance to insulin, genetic factors etc. Due to imbalance in hormones, women have irregular menstrual periods. The two hormones namely, estrogen and progesterone, responsible for woman’s ovaries to release eggs, are at lower level than normal level and then they lack follicle maturation. The result of it is that there is a filled cyst in the ovaries in which follicle mature to enlarge, forming cysts and hence polycystic ovary. Several physical symptoms appear in woman suffering from PCOS like irregular periods, hirutism etc. During the process of diagnosis, the patient is asked about his medical history and doctor will perform some basic tests like pelvic exam, ultrasound, blood test, and screening laboratory tests etc. Till present, there is no perfect cure for treatment of PCOS. But to reduce the symptoms and the problem of infertility associated with it, researchers have come up with certain treatments. Metformin therapy is advised by doctors to stimulate continuation of normal, ovulatory menstrual cycles. LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs and Clomiphene citrate are the medicines which will help in getting pregnant and help the ovaries to grow follicles and release eggs.