Example research essay topic: A Study On Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome - 3,095 words

NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote

A STUDY ON POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME S. No TABLE OF CONTENT PG. NO 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. RESEARCH 4 2. 1 WHAT IS POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME? 4 2. 1. 1 A NORMAL MENSTRUAL LOOP 4 2. 1. 2 A DISTURBED MENSTRUAL LOOP 5 2. 2 WHAT CAUSES PCOS? 5 2. 3 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS? 6 2. 4 HOW IS PCOS DIAGNOSED? 6 2. 4. 1 DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS 7 2. 5 WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT OCCUR DUE TO PCOS? 8 2. 6 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS INVOLVED WITH PCOS? 9 2. 7 HOW IS PCOS TREATED? 10 3 REFERENCES 11 4 DICUSSION 13 5 RECOMMENDATIONS 14 6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 16 1. INTRODUCTION Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome or Polycystic Ovary Disease is a hormonal disorder which is wide spread among the women of child bearing age.

It has been estimated that 10 % of women of childbearing age suffers from Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Some findings reveal that majority of women are unaware about the syndrome or the symptoms of the disease. Even after several researches, the cause of the syndrome has not been identified. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome usually begins after puberty, commonly in the teenage period. Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome often suffers from problems like irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, acne, excessive weight, pelvic pain, male -pattern baldness etc.

Poly cystic ovarian syndrome is caused by hormonal imbalance in the brain and in the ovaries. Many young ladies have increased level of insulin secretion from pancreas than the normal level of secretion. Poly cystic ovarian syndrome usually takes place when there is increased LH level or insulin level and results in additional testosterone production by the ovary. Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian have higher risk of heart disease, prone to diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, reproductive cancer, inability to become pregnant due to an ovulation. Early diagnosis of the disease and proper treatment can reduce the risk of above said diseases. Adopting healthy lifestyle along with treatment can help the patient in faster recovery.

This study has accounted a detail analysis of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS and also about its causes, symptoms, differentiating factors, diagnosis, changes due to PCOS, risk factors and the treatment for PCOS. 2. RESEARCH 2. 1 WHAT IS POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)? This syndrome is characterized by changes to ovaries such that multiple follicular cysts of 10 mm or smaller accumulate in the ovaries without ovulation. According to Dr. David Downing, Ob/Gyn residency program director at Washington Hospital Centre in North West, it is an imbalance between the level of estrogen and the brains response to that estrogen. PCOS generally crops up when the LH hormone levels or the insulin levels are too high, which results in extra testosterone production by the ovary.

POCS is one of the main reasons of infertility in women. Lets analyze why women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome have irregular periods. 2. 1. 1. A NORMAL MENSTRUAL LOOP: The menstrual loop starts when the pituitary gland in the brain sends Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) to the ovary to produce estrogen and progesterone, the female sex hormones. Normally all ovaries produce some amount of androgen testosterone, a male sex hormone.

When these hormones are produced in normal amount the ovaries starts to ovulate, or release ripe egg and passes down the egg through fallopian tube to the uterus. After ovulation, the ovaries produce progesterone. This progesterone from the ovary tells the lining of the uterus to thicken. If fertilization of the egg dose not happens, then the lining of the uterus is shed down.

After the menstrual period the cycle is repeated in normal cases. 2. 1. 2. A DISTURBED MENSTRUAL LOOP: In PCOS the pituitary gland is flooded with high levels of estrogens and reduces the level of FSH hormone that needs to be released at the right time during the menstrual cycle says Dr. David Downing. Follicles in the ovary, which are tiny fluid -filled sacs called cyst, holds the egg and none of the eggs matures properly and it remains as cyst ceasing ovulation. 2. 2. WHAT CAUSES PCOS? The exact grounds of the condition is not known, but some women can be genetically inclined to it, says, DR.

Blare, a broad- certified reproductive endocrinologist and associate professor in the obstetrics and gynecology department at Howard University in Northwest. But there is no proper evidence to declare that hereditary link is responsible to this disorder. High insulin due to insulin resistance may be the principal reason. With insulin resistance, the cells cannot act in response and the insulin cannot enter the cells, resulting in high blood sugar and high blood insulin, says Ms. Due. 2 Insulin resistance, for a long period may lead to obesity. Higher level of insulin triggers the ovary to produce male hormones in women, which result in higher risk for diabetes, cardio vascular disease and high cholesterol etc.

It factually attacks the feminism, says Turn Reid, founder of Research and education on cure of chronic inflammation-related illness. Valproate or divalproex, a drug used for epileptic seizures and some mood disorders, has been related with a higher incidence of polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogenism. 2. 3 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PCOS? Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome usually begins after puberty, commonly in the teenage period. Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome often suffers from problems like irregular periods frequent periods with over flow or infrequent menstrual periods or irregular bleeding, abnormal hair growth on the face and on the parts of the body which is termed as Hirsutism, acne, excessive weight gain or trouble loosing weight which usually occurs in the middle age, excessive snoring while sleeping, patches of dark skin found on the back of neck termed as alopecia, pelvic pain, male -pattern baldness. 2. 4 HOW IS PCOS DIAGNOSED? PCOS can not be diagnosed by a single test. The diagnosis of PCOS may include physical examination including ultrasound, blood sugar test, and measuring the womans hormonal levels, Body mass index etc...

If the ultrasound and the blood tests are normal it dose not mean that the women do not have the condition. Among women who have been suspected for poly cystic ovarian syndrome on clinical and laboratory basis and not on ultrasound criteria, 66 - 82 % has the classic ultrasound appearance suspected for polycystic ovaries. However, women with out the symptoms may also have the possibilities of developing PCOS. 2. 4. 1 DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS The following are differentiating factors to identify the presence of PCOS: Testosterone levels may be normal (20 - 90 ng / dl , 0. 7 - 2. 8 nmol / l ) or elevated (< 90 or > 200 ng / dl ). If total testosterone is more than 150 ng / dl then the adrenal or tumor causes should be investigated. Serum androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterosterone sulphate (DHAEA S) usually normal but sometime elevated, LH to FSH levels may be normal or elevated with the ratio of 3: 1 or higher. LH hormone if greater than 9 mu /ml then ovaries appears polycystic on ultrasound.

Abnormal blood sugar levels in both fasting and post prandial, post 75 gms glucose challenge, and fasting glucose / insulin ratio or hemoglobin A l c. Ultra sound findings often include muliticystic ovaries with the follicle cysts lining up on the walls of the ovary but not always meet the criteria of ten or more follicle cysts in each ovary. Women with the classic polycystic ovary on ultrasound, only 50 % of them have excess hair growth and an ovulation. Though diagnosis of PCOS includes both an ovulation and increased testosterone levels but many cases include combination of related conditions together which is termed as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Not all women with POCS on ultrasound have increased testosterone level but insulin level seems to be obvious. Because of this mixed clinical picture the term Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome in the medical literature may include: Traditional PCOS an ovulatory, increased testosterone, no insulin resistance.

Endocrine Syndrome an ovulatory, increased testosterone, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. Non-traditional PCOS- an ovulatory, normal testosterone, excess weight, insulin resistance or diabetes, Non-traditional PCOS- ovulatory, increased testosterone levels, mild insulin resistance, Idiopathic resistance- ovulatory, increased testosterone levels, no insulin resistance. 2. 6 WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT OCCUR DUE TO PCOS? ACNE: In case of PCOS the body produces increased levels of testosterone which result in acne and extra hair growth in face and body. PATCHES OF DARK SKIN: Most cases of PCOS reports higher insulin level in their blood. This higher level of insulin may cause patches of darkened skin on the patients neck, under arms, and in your groin area.

DOES PCOS MEAN CYST ON THE OVARIES? The term polycystic ovaries means that there are plenty of tiny cysts inside the ovaries. But not all womens with PCOS will have cyst in their ovaries. In some cases, the cyst is not removed if they are not harmful. WILL PCOS AFFECT ABILITY TO HAVE CHILDREN?

Mostly women with PCOS have a normal uterus and healthy eggs. Generally woman with PCOS have trouble becoming pregnant, but not applicable to all with PCOS. But there are higher chances of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery. 2. 7 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS INVOLVED WITH PCOS? RISK OF TYPE II DIABETES: Obesity with increased body mass index Hereditary RISK OF CARDIAC DISEASE: Increased level of cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and Triglycerides Obesity PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS: Increased risk of gestational diabetes usually among obese women with greater Body Mass Index.

ENDOMETRIAL CANCER: Women with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea have risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma, due to prolonged estrogenic effects on the endometrium. 2. 8 HOW IS PCOS TREATED? The treatment should focus on restoration of ovaries, reduction of testosterone levels, infertility, Hirsutism, weight loss, insulin resistance and finally endometrial cancer. The therapy includes treatment to induce ovulation and to enhance pregnancy, by providing Clomiphene which results in as high as 70 % of pregnancy rate. Multiple pregnancy rates with Clomiphene are 5 % and majority of these pregnancies are twin pregnancies. If Clomiphene dose not induce ovulation, Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH) is give in low dosage.

Metformin is used in women with PCOS and insulin resistance, to induce ovulation. Weight loss is also of paramount importance. Hence treating obesity by introducing a low calorie diet is highly essential to avoid miscarriage. Flutamide is used for treating hirsutism. In case of irregular bleeding, oral contraceptive pills (OCP) is the treatment of choice to regulate the cycle and to prevent over growth of endometrium. Hormone progesterone is also given to replace what is not produced every month.

An estrogen added with progestin is used to regulate abnormal bleeding and decrease the increased androgen levels. 3. REFERENCES Knochenhauer ES, Key TJ, Kansas-Miller M, Waggoner W, Boots lR, Aziz R Prevalanc of polycystic ovary syndrome in unselected black and white women of the southeastern United States: a prospective study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1998: 3078 - 3082. The Shelly Widhalm, THE WASHINGTON TIMES. Medi focus Guidebook on Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Utiger RD.

Insulin and the polycystic ovary syndrome. New England J Medicine 1996, 335: 657658. Stephen LJ, Kwan P, Shapiro D, Domin Stephen LJ, Kwan P, Shapiro Dominican M, Brodie MJ. Hormone Profiles in youth adults with epilepsy treated with sodium valproate or lamotrigine immunotherapy. Epilepsia. 2001; 1002 - 1006. Dunaif A, Thomas A.

Current concepts in the poly cystic ovary syndrome. Annu Rev Med. 2001; 52: 401 - 419. 1419. Derksen J, Nagesser SK, Minders AE, Have HR, van de Velde CJ. Identification of vitalizing adrenal tumors in hirsute women. N Engl J Med. 1994; 331: 968 - 973.

Hacihanefioglu B. Polycystic ovary syndrome nomenclature: chaos? Fertil Sterile 2000: 73: 1261 - 2 Shepard MK, Balmaceda JP, Lisa CG. Relationship of weight to successful induction of ovulation with clomiphene citrate.

Fertil Sterile. 1979; 32: 641 - 645. Nasser S, Ledger WL. Clomiphene citrate in the twenty-first century. Hum Fertil (Camb). 2001; 4: 145 - 151. Utiger RD. Insulin and the polycystic ovary syndrome.

New England J Medicine 1996, 335; 651658. Wiegratz I, Kutschera E, Lee JH, Moore C, Mellinger U, Winkkler UH, Kuhl H. Effect of four different oral contraceptives on various sex hormones and serum-binding globulin's. Contraception. 2003; 67: 25 - 32. Christine Content-Rudelli, Didier Dewailly (Sep 21 2006). Treatment of Hyperandrogenism in Female Adolescents.

Hyperandrogenism in Adolescents Girls. Retrieved on 2006 - 11 - 21. Norman RJ, Davies MJ, Lord J, Mohan LJ. The role of lifestyle modification in polycystic ovary syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2002; 3: 251 - 257. 4.

DICUSSION It is difficult for any person to overcome the reality, especially when it comes to sufferings of the body. And if you have been told that you are suffering from Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome then it is the hard time of your life to overcome such a frustration. But in this world of medical revolution, there is a solution for all diseases. A proper treatment and life style management can help you in managing your disease.

Only your doctor can decide on the type of treatment that you need. Many times health care providers misguide the patient for unwanted diagnosis like ovarian biopsy, laparoscopy, CAT scans or MRI. And moreover the treatment of PCOS will depend on the persisting problem. For example, the problem of hirsutism will prevent treatment for infertility. Likewise testosterone worsens the excess hair growth and balding problem. Unrestricted diet with increased carbohydrates worsens insulin resistance.

Treatments like ovarian drilling with a laser or ovarian wedge resection are last choice because they often cause adhesions which worsen infertility. Hence forth increased awareness about the disease and its treatment is highly essential. Moreover proper care must be taken in choosing the health care provider. In my opinion, drugs are not the only substitute to the health problems.

Apart from that life style management and meditation can help improve the condition. Advice from a good health care provider can aid you in a better understanding of life style management. Generally women with PCOS are more concerned about the excess hair growth, acne and weight gain. The interesting part is that all these problems can be treated.

Acne can be treated by birth control pills, topical creams, oral antibiotics, and other medications. Excess hair growth can be treated through several ways like bleaching, waxing, laser treatment, electrolysis, anti-hair growth medications, etc. Your heath care provider would be the better person to decide on the right kind of treatment based on your body conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight is an additional approach to manage PCOS. Since obesity is a common factor with PCOS, a healthy diet along with physical activity will help to maintain a healthy weight. This will also help in reducing the risk of developing diabetes and restore normal periods.

Even a loss of ten percent of body weight can help in regularizing the menstrual cycle. Hence adopting a healthy life style and proper treatment is highly essential for the patients with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS As a woman I was diagnosed for PCOS at the age of 21 after many years of symptoms going undetected. After approaching the doctor and underwent proper treatment, my problems are under control. This dose not happens with many of females because of lack of awareness about the subject. And even if they are aware they take it for granted.

Hence proper awareness and education about the disease to all the females is highly essential. Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome has to be included in all school students subject. Newspapers and journals should frequently publish articles about the syndrome and its importance of the treatment. Hospitals and clinics may provide pamphlets insisting on diagnosis and treatment of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome to its patients. Rehabilitation of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome can happen only when healthier life style is followed. I trust strongly on Human bodys capability to guard and heal itself from disease when provided with proper nutrients.

Women with PCOS at one time or another lack these nutrients. In fact our diet consists of simple carbohydrates which make us obese, lethargic and prone to mood swings. Hence ideal diet modification and physical activity is to be followed by the patient. Avoiding all foods which will increase the blood sugar level and in taking healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, pulses, whole grain, brown bread, cheese yoghurt and milk can help in achieving better health. And apart form all this keeping a positive attitude and working on a healthy life style even if the results seem to take a long time is very important.

Hence a stress free life along with the treatment and healthy eating habits would definitely bring a balanced input in the life of the Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome patients. 6. BIBILIOGRAPHY 1. Exercise and Diet Aid Blood Pressure. " The Washington Times 26 Feb. 2006: C 12. 2. How Can I Reduce My Unwanted Hair?" The Mail on Sunday (London, England): 81. 3. The Sex Doctor: HORMONE HORROR ISSUE OF THE WEEK: POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME. " Sunday Mirror (London, England) 3 July 2005: 48. 4. "Shape Up: It Was a Vicious Circle.

the More Unhappy I Became, the More I Ate; CORRIE JANE'S HEALTH BATTLE. " The Mirror (London, England) 17 Jan. 2005: 16. 5. Stevens, Susan. "Out of the Dark Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Can Easily Escape Notice, but Diagnosis - and Early Treatment - Is Important for Women's Long-Term Health. " Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL) 14 Nov. 2005: 1. 6. "True Life: The Sweetest April fool of all! Marie Herein, 28, Was Delighted When Her Diet Helped Cure Her Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Gave Her the Ultimate Gift as Well. " The People (London, England) 27 Mar. 2005: 9. 7. "Uneven Hormones Wreak Havoc. " The Washington Times 30 Aug. 2005: B 04. 8. "Why Do I Have Irregular Periods and Excess Body Hair? . " The Mail on Sunday (London, England): 79. 9. "Women: Are Your Hormones Ruling Your Life? CRAVINGS, WEIGHT GAIN, MOODS, SPOTS.

YOUR BODY CHEMISTRY HAS A LOT TO ANSWER FOR. HERE'S HOW YOU CAN STOP THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER-COASTER. " The Mirror (London, England) 19 Jan. 2006: 40.

Research essay sample on A Study On Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome