What are "polysystic ovaries" and what can be done to alleviate them?

Question

I haven't had my period in almost 8 months, and have gained almost 30 pounds in the last 6 months. I suffer from depression, and have recently been prescribed "celexa", and it was helping for a while, but seems to be not as helpful now that I have been taking it for two months. What can I do, and how can I alleviate this issue?

Answer 1

What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
No one knows the exact cause of PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently have a mother or sister with PCOS. But there is not yet enough evidence to say there is a genetic link to this disorder. Many women with PCOS have a weight problem. So researchers are looking at the relationship between PCOS and the body’s ability to make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body’s use or for storage. Since some women with PCOS make too much insulin, it’s possible that the ovaries react by making too many male hormones, called androgens. This can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and ovulation problems.

Why do women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle?
The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.

In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.

Answer 2

Polycystic ovaries means you have multiple cysts on your ovaries and because of that your hormones are thrown out of kilter. Hormonal imbalance is probably the reason why you are depressed. Celexa treats the depression (symptom) but not the cause. It's also what made you gain weight. I suggest that you see a gynecologist and inquire how you can have the cysts removed from your ovaries. If you can contact a gynecologist who is a practitioner in a research hospital in your area, the better. Research hospitals have the most up to date modalities for ovarian cystic syndrome.

Answer 3

POCS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which your ovaries do not secrete the proper amout of hormones. It can cause weight gain, thinning hair, irregular periods and yes depression. You can try going on hormone therapy (birth control pills) but this disorder is really something that is just now becoming widely noticed. As far as the depression meds, you may need an increase in your dose. I would find an OB/GYN that specialized in PCOS and check out soulcysters.com for some good support. Good luck

Answer 4

Cysts around the ovaries.
Caused from stress. Maybe you need a higher dose of Celexa.

Answer 5

I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with this syndrome. She was prescribed Metformin which is usually used for diabetics but it is now being prescribed for this syndrome. It is too soon for me to say how successful this med. is for my friend.Only your gynocologist can know what is the best treatment for you.Good luck in your treatment. I know my friend went through hell trying to get a diagnosis but she is hoping this med. will work.

Answer 6

I have this problem cuz I'm obese. You should talk to you doctor about glucophage.. it's something to do w/ your body producing too much insulin that your body can't process them, so it affects your hormones. there are lots of different web sites that talk about it, with support groups and what not... I also take birth control to regulate my period .. it works very nicely

http://www.pcosupport.org/
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/pcos.htm

just to name a few .. good luck!

Answer 7

I HAVE THIS! only im not obese. im underweight actually but my moms obeise. and i have too much hair on my body so i wax a lot. i also have depression. but medically i had a sonogram and know i have this even though it dont look like it really lol

Answer 8

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polycystic_ovary_syndrome

Answer 9

http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/