Monday, January 22, 2007

Polycystic Ovarian Disease

It is estimated that 10% of women in the reproductive age have Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS for short). They usually have high level of androgens, which are male hormones, and have an irregular or don't have menstrual cycle at all.

Other symptoms of PCOS are:

infrequent menstrual periods,

no menstrual periods, and/or


irregular bleeding

infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating

increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes

acne, oily skin, or dandruff

pelvic pain weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist

type 2 diabetes


high cholesterol

high blood pressure male-pattern baldness or thinning hair


patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs

skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area

sleep apnea ? excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep

Polycystic Ovarian Disease Laparoscopy Video

This polycystic ovarian disease laparoscopy video shows a procedure called ovarian drilling. In the video, the right side ovary is being held by a forceps, while the instrument with a very fine needle is being brought to the ovary. The needle carries electric current, which destroys small portions of the ovary. It must be done with precision and it takes a skilled laparoscopic surgeon to do that. To be a good candidate for the procedure, the woman must have a bit larger ovaries.

There is an excellent video at this page, go and see it.