Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, (known as the Stein-Levanthal Syndrome), is classified as a hormonal imbalance. These women who show a high testosterone level, along with high circulating insulin, (hyperinsulinemia), have a definitive diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Infertility , weight gain, and type 2 diabetes develop along the way as well. This is actually in my case, what caused my diabetes to begin with. Doctors and researchers say that over 50% of women or teen girls with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome contract Type 2 diabetes before they are 40 years of age. Polycystic ovaries therefore, presents a danger to young women in their late teens and older. This is why it should be diagnosed early on.

So what is it that causes some women to have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome? PCOS first of all, means there are multiple cysts on each ovary. The cysts begin in follicles which should be producing eggs for reproduction. Because there are a higher level of male hormones, these follicles do not fully mature and instead remain as a cyst, Now since the follicles do not mature, the ovaries then produce less progesterone. Progesterone is what women need for ovulation, and so these girls and women are less like to have any regular menstrual cycles. And because there is also less estrogen then there should be, the testosterone secretions increase, and the result is PCOS.

The cysts that are developed are testosterone sources. This interferes with a woman's natural estrogen level and leads to yet more problems. The symptoms that will come up are, excess facial hairs or body hair, obesity, and periods do not come often if at all. Acne is another symptom that can present itself as well as loss or thinning of hair.

Sometimes in the more advanced cases of PCOS, patches of brown spots at the breasts, elbows, and other places on the body are present.

Many women with PCOS are also at risk for developing heart and other types of circulatory diseases. High insulin levels are harmful to a young girl's or woman's health. This causes the blood vessels to contrict, and very often leads to insulin-dependent diabetes.

What is the best way of treating PCOS? There really is no perfect treatment for this disorder. Every person is uniquely different and can be treated in different ways. Women can be given steroids to treat this disorder if the symptoms prove to be severe. In my particular case, I was treated for all of the problems stemming from this complex disorder.

Some doctors may prescribe birth control pills in order to achieve some regularity with menstrual cycles. Sometimes the birth control methods will also take care of the high testosterone levels. If type 2 diabetes becomes present, which is usually the case, then a doctor should prescribe anti-diabetes pills to reduce the effects of higher levels of insulin circulating in the bloodstream.

PCOS is a very complex female disorder then. Follow-up with a doctor is very important if you have this disease in order to try and maintain the best health possible.
Doctors and researchers say that over 50% of women or teen girls with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome contract Type 2 diabetes before they are 40 years of age.