Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Tauk deh nih bahasa Indo-nya apa... my doctor diagnosed me with this.

What is PCOS?
PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. Women with PCOS have these characteristics: - high levels of male hormones, also called androgens
- an irregular or no menstrual cycle
- may or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.

You know what? Now I realized that I've always had this cause my mentrual cycle has always been on and off. This is why I've always had weight problems. Hey... I'm not trying to make excuses for my weight problems but I'm sure there's a connection. When I was in High School at one point I didn't have my period for 6 months in a row. My mom took me to the doctor that our family knew well, he gave me little white pills (I don't know what it was) but it worked. But yeah... my cycle has always been irregular.


What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.

Right now I'm taking precription drug called "Metmorfin" which is to control my insulin level. I had a USG a few months ago and my doctor told me that everything looks normal; i.e. the tubes are normal and not blocked, the size of the ovaries are normal and he didn't see any cysts or anything abnormal in there.

Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.

What are the symptoms?
- infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding
- infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
- increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes acne, oily skin, or dandruff
- pelvic pain
- weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
- type 2 diabetes
- high cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
- patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
- skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area
- sleep apnea―excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

How is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) treated?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception: Birth control pills; Diabetes Medications; Fertility Medications; Surgery; Healthy Weight.

We have to go back to our doctor again. We believe one day we'd conceive but for now we just live day by day, take one step at a time and keep believing that God has great plans in store for us. We are now in a process of becoming foster parents (with the possibility to adopt). I'm 37, my biological clock is ticking louder and louder every day. My husband (39yrs) has kidney disease and we were told that it's gonna be a challenge for us to conceive, but we believe God works miraculously, and whatever God has in store for us we know it's for our best.

Please keep us in your prayers. God Bless Y'all.