WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1999: Re: Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question

Re: Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question

From: CK (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 29 Sep 1999 07:33:42 -0500 (CDT)

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Reply: Patti Tessler, FNP: "Re: Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question"

I'm not an expert or anything but I'll tell you as much as I know (or at least as much as I've been told).

I was diagnosed with the same conditions as your sister when I was 20 years old. From what I understand, the polycystic ovaries and hyperangrogenism are linked to insulin production and use. I'm not exactly sure how, but the latest article I read (from a PCOS website) said that doctors were now thinking that too much insulin floating around in the body and the body not able to follow its directions are the initial causes of PCOS. The ovaries develop a thickening which means that when the eggs (which are very immature in the case of PCOS) try to erupt from the ovary (ie. ovulation) they aren't strong enough to actually burst through and they end up making a "cyst" on the outer layer of the ovary. The fact that we don't actually ovulate accounts for the lack of periods or irregularity of the periods.

The hyperandrogenism is responsible for the excessive hair growth and acne. Hyperandgrogenism means that there is excessive production of androgens (or male hormones), such as testosterone. So, compared to an average woman, women with PCOS have more testosterone being produced and not as much estrogen.

The birth control pills are female hormones (estrogen and sometimes progesterone) that help to control the condition. PCOS is not reversible, but the pills can help regulate periods and some of them also help with acne and the hair growth. I take a pill called DIANE-35 (which as far as I know is not available in the USA) which has helped with my bleeding problems and significantly reduced excess hair growth. I've been on it for about 6 months now and have noticed significant results already.

Hope this answers your question!

***NOTE: The above information is based on my own personal experience. Not intended to be medical advice. At Mon, 27 Sep 1999, Bindiya wrote: >
>My 17 year old sister has irregular periods and excessive hair growth,
>and has been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and something called
>hyperandrogonism. She's being given a birth control pill and mild
>steroids. I don't understand exactly what hyperandrogonism is, and why
>the steroids; also, is this condition reversible? Thanks.

Next message: Lisa: "Recommendation of an RE on Long Island"
Previous message: chris: "Re: question about prometrium"
In reply to: Bindiya: "Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question"
Next in thread: Patti Tessler, FNP: "Re: Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question"
Reply: Patti Tessler, FNP: "Re: Sister's polycystic ovaries and hyperandrogonism question"

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