OVARIAN SYNDROME

TYPES

Problems with the ovaries may include:

• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cysts
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Primary ovarian insufficiency
• Ovarian torsion, a twisting of the ovary

SYMPTOMS

Ovarian Cancer

• Heavy feeling in the pelvis
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Weight gain or loss
• Abnormal periods
• Unexplained back pain that gets worse
• Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

Ovarian cysts

• Pressure
• Bloating
• Swelling
• Pain in the lower abdomen, on the side where the cyst is

Polycystic ovary syndrome

• Irregular menstrual periods
• Infertility
• Pelvic pain
• Excess hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, or thighs
• Weight gain
• Acne or oily skin
• Patches of thickened skin

Primary ovarian insufficiency

• Hot flashes
• Night Sweats
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Decreased sex drive
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal dryness

DIAGNOSIS

• A medical history, including asking whether you have relatives with ovarian problems
• A pregnancy test, to make sure that you are not pregnant
• A physical exam, to look for signs of other disorders which could be causing your symptoms
• Blood tests, to check for certain hormone levels. You may also have a blood test to do a chromosome analysis. A chromosome is the part of a cell that contains genetic information
• A pelvic ultrasound, to see whether or not the ovaries are enlarged or have multiple follicles
• Estrogen levels test
• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) test
• Laparoscopy
• Ultrasound of the pelvis

TREATMENT

Hormone replacement therapy (HTR). This therapy is the most common form of treatment. It supplies your body with hormones that your ovaries are not making, such as estrogen and other hormones. This improves your sexual health and lessens the risk of heart disease. Typically, you may use this therapy at the age of 50 and above, because at this age, menopausal starts.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are at a high risk of developing osteoporosis, so you better take calcium and vitamin D supplements to avoid it.

In vitro fertilization (IVF). You may try IVF if you have the polycystic ovarian syndrome and wanting to be pregnant.

Regular physical activity and healthy body weight. Maintaining your weight and having regular exercise can reduce the possibility of osteoporosis and heart disease.

Treatment for associated conditions. Conditions that are related to polycystic ovaries should be treated as well. This may include hormonal imbalances.