Disease, polycystic ovarian (PCO)

Polycystic ovarian (PCO) disease, also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of signs and symptoms including: {{}}Irregular or no periods Acne Obesity, and Excess hair growth. All women with PCO have irregular or no menses. Women with PCO do not ovulate (do not release an egg every month). Women with PCO are at a higher risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Much of this risk can be reversed by exercise and weight loss. It is also important for women with PCO to have regular periods — if a woman does not have regular periods, her risk of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) rises — so medication is generally prescribed to induce regular periods. For acne or excess hair growth, a water pill (diuretic) called spironolactone can help. For PCO women who desire pregnancy, a medication called clomiphene (CLOMID) can be used to induce ovulation (cause egg production). A type of surgery called a "wedge resection," in which a piece of the ovary is removed, seems to help some women. No one is sure what causes PCO. However, the ovaries of women with PCO contain a number of small cysts. Hence, the name poly (many) cystic ovarian disease. PCO is also known as Stein-Leventhal syndrome.