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Medical Edge Newspaper Column from Mayo Clinic

HOW TO MINIMIZE THE SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I’m a 39-year-old woman with all the classic signs of polycystic ovary syndrome: an “apple shape,” irregular periods and hair growth in conspicuous places. My doctor did blood tests and told me I don’t have this condition. Is a blood test the definitive diagnostic test for PCOS? What treatment options are there for managing my symptoms, especially the hair growth? I’m so tired of plucking and shaving. — Moline, Ill.

ANSWER: No definitive test exists for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome. Blood tests can measure your hormone levels to provide clues about whether you have PCOS, but further evaluation should be done to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

If your clinical picture fits PCOS, and tests results do not indicate the presence of another medical condition, you can take steps to minimize your symptoms. First, let’s start with some background.

PCOS is a hormonal disorder. While the exact cause is unknown, research suggests a link between PCOS and insulin resistance in the body. Common symptoms include irregular periods, excess facial and body hair, acne, male-pattern baldness and obesity. These symptoms are caused by an overproduction of male hormones, called androgens. Many women with PCOS also have difficulty becoming pregnant.

If your doctor cannot identify another medical condition causing your symptoms, here are a few things that can help:

— Medication to regulate your menstrual cycles.
— Medication to stop excess hair growth.
— Weight loss.
— Exercise.

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to dealing with PCOS. Studies have shown that weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels, which will decrease the severity of your symptoms.

Unfortunately, once hair growth has occurred, medication cannot reverse it. But after several months of taking medication that prevents further growth, you could undergo treatment, such as electrolysis or laser therapy, to permanently remove the hair that is already there.

Keep in mind that women with PCOS are at increased risk for developing heart disease and diabetes. It’s important that you receive an accurate diagnosis of your symptoms to reduce your risk of possible long-term health complications.

— Kristi Boldt, M.D, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Additional Resources:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Appointment Information
More Information on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

READERS: It’s a jittery, tingling, burning or aching feeling in your lower legs or thighs. It makes you want to stretch, jiggle, pace the floor or exercise to get rid of it.

It could be restless legs syndrome, a lifelong condition that can come and go, and may worsen with age. Although RLS doesn’t lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from bothersome to incapacitating.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce mild to moderate symptoms:

— Cut back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
— Get regular exercise during the day. Stretching your legs can relieve symptoms.
— Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
— Soak in a warm tub and massage your legs to relax the muscles.
— Establish good sleep habits, with consistent times to go to bed and get up in the morning. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS, so it’s important to try to get enough sleep.

If symptoms aren’t controlled by lifestyle changes, your doctor may suggest medications. Drugs for Parkinson’s and epilepsy as well as opioids and sedatives can be used. It may take several tries to find the right combination and dosages of medications.

Additional Resources:
Restless Legs Syndrome
Appointment Information
More Information on Restless Legs Syndrome
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Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. To e-mail a question, go to www.mayoclinic.org, or write: Medical Edge from Mayo Clinic, c/o TMS, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, N.Y., 14207. For health information, visit www.mayoclinic.com.