dr has told that i have some polycystic ovaries what does it means?

Question

on these i have been takeing treatment since 7 months

Answer 1

Polycystic Ovaries
The name polycystic ovary syndrome is derived from the cystic appearance of the ovaries of affected women. In 1935, Stein and Leventhal described the polycystic appearance of the ovaries of women with other symptoms that we now associate with the syndrome of PCOS. For this reason, PCOS has also been referred to as the Stein-Leventhal syndrome. Although this name is no longer used you may encounter it in other literature and should understand that it is simply a different name for PCOS.

Polycystic is a term that simply means "many cysts." The polycystic ovary typically contains many small - usually less than 1 centimeter - cysts (fluid-filled sacs). These cysts are usually arranged around the surface of the ovary, just below the surface layer of the ovary. When examined directly or by ultrasound, these small cysts commonly are said to have a string-of-pearls appearance. The ovaries of affected women can be slightly enlarged when compared to unaffected ovaries.


Examples of polycystic ovaries. (Click on images to enlarge.)

Each small cyst represents a follicle, which contains a single egg or ovum that is attempting to develop to a stage where it will be ready to be released from the ovary (a process known as ovulation). However, because of the complex biochemical situation that exists in ovaries with PCOS, the development of these follicles is stopped too soon, resulting in a collection of small follicles and the lack of ovulation. This lack of ovulation is the reason why women with PCOS commonly have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Not all women who are found to have polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound have PCOS. Keep in mind, the polycystic ovary is a structural finding of the ovary, and this single finding should not be confused with the entire syndrome. In fact, many women who show no other signs or symptoms of PCOS have been found to have polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound.

Many women hear the term "polycystic ovary" and associate this with ovarian cancer. This is not the case. Polycystic ovaries are not cancer, and a diagnosis of PCOS does not mean that you have cancer. Also, having been told you have had or currently have an ovarian cyst does not mean you have PCOS. Remember, the normal ovary creates a cyst every month through the process of ovulation. The presence or history of an ovarian cyst does not make for PCOS.

Answer 2

enlarged cystic ovaries, pearl white in color, with thickened tunica albuginea (a dense white collagenous tunic surrounding a structure), characteristic of the Stein-Leventhal syndrome ( a condition commonly characterized by hirsutism, obesity, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and enlarged ovaries; thought to reflect excessive androgen secretion of ovarian origin); clinical features are abnormal menses, obesity, and evidence of masculinization (male features), such as hirsutism (Presence of excessive bodily and facial hair, usually in a male pattern, especially in women; may be present in normal adults as an expression of an ethnic characteristic or may develop in children or adults as the result of androgen excess due to tumors or drugs, or nonandrogenetic drugs).

Answer 3

poly means many. You have many cysts on your ovaries. They can usually take care of it. Its scary, but they are often not cancerous.