physiobia

Diagnosis of PCOS

There is no specific test for PCOS but your doctor will consider your symptoms and usually complete a physical examination, blood tests and a transvaginal ultrasound. If you are trying to become pregnant, you may be referred to a gynaecologist or a fertility clinic.

Physical examination: Your doctor will ask you numerous questions about your menstrual cycle, symptoms, weight and examine you for physical signs of PCOS, e.g. acne, excess hair growth and darkened skin.

Blood tests: Your blood may be tested for high cholesterol, blood sugar levels (i.e. insulin resistance) and for changes in LH (luteinising hormone) or FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).

Transvaginal ultrasound: A long slender probe is inserted into the vagina to determine the presence of ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries and also to examine the reproductive organs for any irregularities. If you would prefer not to have a vaginal scan, your doctor may conduct an ultrasound of your abdomen – done externally while you have a full bladder.

PCOS Treatment

Treatment of PCOS can either focus on treating the symptoms or treating the cause of the symptoms.

Let’s learn Symptom based PCOS treatment!

Obesity, weight gain  

Weight loss options include:

• changes to diet
• exercise
• medications*

Hirsutism (hairiness)

• medications*
• cosmetic treatments, i.e. waxing, bleaching, laser, electrolysis
• weight loss

Acne

• topical creams
• medications, i.e. oral contraceptive pill, anti-androgens , retinoids

Diabetes

• weight loss
• changes to diet
• exercise
• medications

Infertility caused by irregular periods and ovulation

• weight loss
• medications, , oral contraceptive pill.
•  

PCOS Treatment, According to the cause of symptoms

Hormonal therapies

Oral contraceptive pill

The oral contraceptive or birth control pill (‘the pill’) which contains estrogen and progesterone .It help to regulate menstrual periods and reduce menstrual cramps.  It also helps to reduce the testosterone level, which reduces such PCOS symptoms as hairiness and acne.

How is it taken?

There is a wide range of oral contraceptive pills with differing doses of estrogen and progesterone. Your doctor will determine the right one for you.

Clomiphene citrate

Typically, a doctor will begin what is known as ‘ovulation induction’ (the use of medicine to promote ovulation) with clomiphene citrate. It works best for those women whose ovaries are capable of functioning but who need a little assistance.

Clomiphene citrate stimulates the release of GnRH, which in turn causes the pituitary gland to release more FSH and LH. These two hormones promote growth of the fluid-filled sacs (follicles) containing the eggs. Your doctor will advise you on how many courses you should take. If clomiphene citrate has not worked for you, medications containing FSH and LH, i.e. gonadotrophins .

Gonadotrophins

If clomiphene citrate does not work, the next stage of treatment is usually to start administering a category of medication called gonadotrophins – injectable forms of FSH and hCG. Where clomiphene citrate acts to stimulate the release of GnRH, gonadotrophins act directly on the ovary, promoting follicular development.

There are a variety of different treatment medications that fall under the category of gonadotrophins. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates development of the fluid-filled sacs containing the eggs. Luteinising hormone (LH) is sometimes used together with FSH to stimulate the development of follicles.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) causes the final maturation and release of an egg.

Laparoscopic ovarian surgery

When hormonal treatments have not been successful, a laparoscopic ovarian diathermy operation may be recommended by your doctor. It is a small procedure, done under a general anaesthetic. A laparoscopic needle is inserted into the pelvic area to view the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. A series of small drill-holes or burns is made into each ovary, releasing male hormones stored in the cysts and temporarily restoring ovulation.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART )

The artificial methods used to unite sperm and eggs with the moto of succesfull fertilization. There are many such ways like  in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICS)

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Intrauterine insemination (IUI),

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICS)

For depth knowledge  on ART and IVF are available at merckserono.fertilityportal.com.au. Before you go let me tell you some ways to cope up with your emotion during infertility.

Are you feeling inferior, guilty because of you inability to conceive a child and having problems with your self-image as a women.

Communicate with your partner

Talking about your feelings, especially with your partner, is vital to coping with the emotions associated with fertility treatment. If ever love and mutual understanding are called upon, it is in moments such as these. Every bad time fly off as time never stops, there will be a time in future as good days because nothing is permanent so does with bad day.

 Communicating with friends and family

  Communicating openly with friends and family can create a stronger sense of support in dealing with the psychological and emotional components of infertility.

Talk to couples with similar issues

It can also be helpful to talk to other couples who have gone through similar experiences and understand what you are feeling. They can give you confidence and hope that everything will be normal.

Develop some coping methods

Engaging in various activities like Yoga, Meditation, Healthy lifestyle. You can do things you like such as drawing, painting, dancing and singing. Every person is different from one another so, develop your method to cope with situational stress of life. It will help you now and in future too.