It is believed that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6 percent to 10 percent of all women. The main symptoms of the syndrome include irregular periods, elevated levels of testosterone or other androgens (male hormones), infertility, obesity, excessive hair growth, hair loss, dandruff, diabetes, sleep apnea, and acne.

The Problem

Women with PCOS do not produce the right amount of hormones for the eggs in their ovaries to mature, which is why they have irregular or non-existent periods. Sometimes the disease can be diagnosed through the existence of swollen ovaries, which are in that state due to an enlarged number of cysts (or eggs that did not mature) in them.

The uterine lining also may be thick a result of irregular periods. The condition has a genetic component because women who have family members who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or menstrual problems are more likely to have PCOS.

One major symptom of PCOS is insulin resistance along with hyperinsulinemia, or elevated insulin levels. When PCOS goes untreated, it can cause infertility and also trigger other diseases.

Treatment

The most common treatment for PCOS is the same as the treatment for adult onset diabetes. Adult onset diabetes and PCOS are both treated with metformin, pioglitazone, or a combination of the two. When some people start taking metformin they experience nausea or diarrhea. These side effects can be reduced by taking metformin with a meal.

The pills are usually taken twice daily. Patients taking metformin should be sure to have regular liver tests, because -- in rare cases -- metformin can damage the liver. Pioglitazone belongs to a category of medicines called PPAR gamma agonists. These medicines increase muscles’ ability to metabolize sugar and, therefore, they reduce insulin resistance.

Recovery

Within two to three months, these medications reverse the endocrine abnormalities associated with PCOS. The endocrine abnormalities are what cause fertility problems among other things. The medication is prescribed in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.

Many of the overall symptoms of PCOS are reversed with this treatment. Any hair loss is usually reversed and abnormal hair growth will return to normal. Elevated blood pressure is normalized. Women’s periods return to normal and they generally lose weight. Most health risks reduce.