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Polycystic Ovaries - PCO
Polycystic Ovaries (PCO) is a medical condition that may cause irregular periods, hair growth, weight gain and infertility. Later in life, they may be responsible for diabetes, hypertension and even endometrial cancer. You may suspect you have this disease if you notice some or all of these symptoms. Polycystic ovaries appear to be due to an elevation in testosterone and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) due to irregular or absent ovulation. Many patients with PCO have acne, obesity and infertiliy due to the ovarian cysts. Your insulin levels often rise as you develop insulin resistance, resulting in increasing weight gain. The disease is suspected from your history, further delineated by pelvic ultrasound and blood tests, and may be confirmed by laparoscopy. PCO treatment and pregnancy often involves Glucophage or metformin. Other options include laser laparoscopy to decompress the cysts, fertility medications to induce ovulation, and even In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
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