Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Polycystic (pol-e-SIS-tik) ovarian (o-VAR-e-an) syndrome (SIN-drom), also called PCOS, is a condition where the ovaries are enlarged with multiple small cysts. PCOS usually occurs when the ovaries produce higher levels of male hormones than female hormones. This may lead to formation of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) on one or both ovaries. The ovaries are a pair of organs in the lower abdomen (stomach). An ovary is attached to each side of the uterus (womb) by the fallopian tubes. Ovaries produce eggs and hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an important role in how your body works.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of PCOS include abnormal monthly periods, such as irregular or absent periods. You may also have pain or discomfort in your back or abdomen, acne, or weight gain. Other symptoms may include too much hair growth on your face and body, and thinning of scalp hair. PCOS is diagnosed by having a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, and blood and urine tests. Treatment may include surgery and medicines, such as steroids or hormones. With proper treatment and care, PCOS may be controlled and further problems prevented.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Your caregiver may slowly change how much steroid medicine you are taking.
  
  

Blood pressure and sugar checks:

You may need to check your blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar many times each day. Ask your caregiver for more information on how to monitor your BP and blood sugar at home.

• To take your BP, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which gives your blood pressure reading.
  
  
• To measure your blood sugar, you may have to use a glucose monitor. This is a small device that tells how much sugar is in your blood. The monitor uses a small drop of blood from a prick on your finger.

Diet:

Eat a variety of healthy foods every day to help you feel better and have more energy. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, and protein (such as chicken, fish, and beans). A caregiver, called a dietitian, may talk to you about your diet and nutrition. The following are some important changes your caregiver may suggest:

• Choose foods low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Lean cuts of meat, fish, skinless poultry (chicken and turkey), and low-fat milk are good examples.
  
  
• Choose foods that are good sources of fiber, such as vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals. Legumes, such as garbanzo, pinto, or kidney beans and lentils, are also good fiber sources.
  
  
• Your caregiver may suggest limiting how much carbohydrates you eat. Eating too much carbohydrate at one time can cause your blood sugar to rise to a very high level. Carbohydrates are found in starches (bread, cereal and starchy vegetables) fruit, milk, and yogurt. Sweets, such as candy, desserts, or regular soda also contain carbohydrates.

Exercising and staying healthy:

Ask your caregiver about your ideal body weight. If you are overweight, weight loss may help relieve symptoms of PCOS. Exercise also helps keep your blood sugar level under control. It also makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy. Exercising and controlling your weight can change the amount of insulin your body needs. Work with your caregiver to plan the best exercise program for you.

Do not smoke:

Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You cannot make it to the next visit with your caregiver.
  
  
• You feel very weak or very tired.
  
  
• Your pain is worse or does not go away after taking your medicine.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a very bad headache, or you feel dizzy.
  
  
• You are vomiting (throwing up) and cannot keep food or liquids down.
  
  
• You have blurred or double vision.
  
  
• You have pain during sex.
  
  
• You have trouble urinating or emptying your bladder completely.
  
  
• Your breath has a fruity sweet smell or your breathing is not deep.
  
  
• Your symptoms are getting worse or coming back.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Aftercare Instructions)