Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Definition

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age. The name of the condition comes from the appearance of the ovaries in most, but not all, women with the disorder — enlarged and containing numerous small cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary (polycystic appearance).
Infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Menstrual abnormality may signal the condition in adolescence, or PCOS may become apparent later following weight gain or difficulty becoming pregnant.
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have trouble becoming pregnant due to infrequent or lack of ovulation. Early diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can help reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Mushrooms May Fight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Maitake may help treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), suggests a new study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
A condition marked by multiple small cysts in the ovaries, PCOS is often linked to insulin resistance and lack of ovulation. Since maitake is known to improve insulin resistance, researchers tested the medicinal mushroom's effects on 57 women with PCOS. After up to 12 weeks of treatment, 20 out of 26 study participants given maitake extract experienced ovulation (compared with 29 out of the 31 participants given the ovulation-inducing medication clomiphene). According to the study's authors, these findings indicate that maitake may be useful for PCOS patients who fail to respond to clomiphene.
Past research shows that acupuncture may also help improve insulin resistance, regulate menstrual cycles and reduce levels of male hormones in women with PCOS.