These are some of the most common signs of a very common hormonal condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome or (PCOS). 10-15% of women have PCOS, with associated increase in ovarian male hormone production resulting in male pattern hair growth, acne, irregular ovulation and menstrual cycles, and difficulty in processing sugars and fat resulting in weight gain. This common condition can be recognized in women as early as teen years and lasts during the reproductive years.

The three criteria for this diagnosis are irregular menstruations, ovaries with cystic changes on ultrasound, and increased male hormones in blood. If your periods are all over the place, have thick facial and body hairs, losing scalp hair, have difficult to treat acne, and have difficulty losing weight you may have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

RELATED: How Hormone Imbalance Can Affect Fertility

PCOS also results in fertility problems. Since egg production in the ovaries is very sensitive to an abnormal hormonal environment the quality and the number of eggs a women can produce suffers and makes pregnancy more difficult in women with PCOS.

PCOS if left untreated is associated with increased risk of breast and uterine cancers. Also Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may lead to a condition called metabolic syndrome where a person’s metabolism is disrupted. This results in an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. This then increases your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Evaluation in the office is simple requiring a good history, blood test, and an ultrasound looking at the ovaries.

RELATED: Ovarian Cysts

I have found a holistic approach to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to be very successful. I place my patients on a special PCOS diet, and exercise, and also emphasis mental relaxation and stress reduction. Several treatment options are useful in balancing a woman’s hormones and I like to individualize based on the severity of the condition and each patient’s goals.

The key to successful treatment is early recognition. Let us know of any questions or for a consultation appointment please call our office.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Tahery, M.D. (@michael_tahery_md)

The post What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or (PCOS) ? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Follicles

Follicles are cysts ovaries make on a monthly basis as they prepare to ovulate or release an egg. These cysts are normal and non-cancerous. However, at times they may cause pain. Sometimes during intercourse one of these cysts or follicles, as we call them, pop and release either blood or fluid into the abdomen causing pain. The pain can be so severe that it may be confused with appendicitis. Follicles are easily diagnosed with ultrasound and usually with pain management resolve on their own.

Polycystics Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is when ovaries make too much male hormone or androgens. Elevated androgen levels disrupt the delicate ovulation cycle and result in menstrual irregularities. Three criteria are required for PCOS diagnosis; elevated androgen levels, polycystic appearing ovaries on ultrasound, and irregular menstruations. Typically, women with PCOS complain of increased acne, increased facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, weight gain, and in long term are at increased risk for infertility, diabetes, uterine and breast cancer, and heart disease. Treatment is usually through suppressing the excess androgen production and usually is very successful. I enjoy taking care of patients with PCOS and fertility issues. Treatment can be challenging, but usually very successful and rewarding.

RELATED:  What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or (PCOS)?

Endometriomas

Endometriomas are formed by endometriosis implants on the ovary. Endometriosis is displacement of endometrial glands from inside the uterus to the internal pelvic cavity and organs.  Once these glands land on the ovary and are stimulated during each menstrual cycle by the estrogen from the ovaries, they grow and produce bloody ovarian cysts. We call these endometriomas. This condition typically causes pain prior to menses and gets progressively worse with age. In severe cases patients visit emergency rooms frequently for pain management. Also, many women with chronic pelvic pain suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis may also scar internal reproductive organs causing fertility problems. Endometrioma can be seen on ultrasound however endometriosis can only be diagnosed by evaluation of the internal abdominal cavity using a special surgical instrument called laparoscope. This operation is done through a small umbilical incision under general anesthesia. Because of my expertise in laparoscopic surgery endometriosis treatment has become a large part of my practice.

Dermoids

Dermoids, are primarily diagnosed in young women and originate from undifferentiated cells in the ovary. After puberty these cells multiply and become hair, skin, bone, and other tissue within the ovary. Dermoid cysts are surgically removed once they grow and cause pain, usually through laparoscopy.

RELATED: Can Endometriosis Become Cancer?

Borderline and Cancerous Cysts

Borderline and cancerous cysts of the ovary are rapidly growing and sometimes invasive tumors that are difficult to diagnose in early stages. The rate of ovarian cancer is 1/3200 women and it is more common after menopause. Women with a history of breast and ovarian cancer are at increased risk. Genetic testing in women with a strong family history is recommended to determine their risk level. In women determined to be at high risk of cancer close observation and prophylactic surgery has been helpful in preventing the occurrence of cancer. No method of screening for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the general population has been identified.

Ovarian cysts are common and varied. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in avoiding medical issues in later years. A complete medical history, pelvic exam, pelvic ultrasound, and blood test are all simple first steps. So, visit your gynecologist.

Schedule an appointment with Dr Michael Tahery at the Glendale office or the West Los Angeles office to find out more about ovarian cysts and the treatment options available.

The post Types Of Ovarian Cysts appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.