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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder that causes cysts to form on your ovaries. Cysts are bumps that are filled with fluid. The cysts can prevent your ovaries from working correctly.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
- Birth control pills: These medicines have female hormones, and may decrease male hormone levels. Birth control pills may control your periods, prevent cysts, or cause them to shrink. These also help decrease your risk of endometrial cancer and correct abnormal bleeding.
- Hypoglycemic medicines: These help to lower your blood sugar levels and decrease insulin resistance. They are also used to lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation.
- Antiandrogen medicines: These may help decrease male hormone levels, excess hair growth, and thinning scalp hair.
- Steroids: These may help lower the release of male hormones.
- Pain medicine: You may be given a prescription medicine to decrease pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Blood and urine tests: These are used to test your hormone and blood sugar levels.
- Pelvic exam: This exam lets your caregiver check the size and shape of your uterus, cervix, and ovaries.
- Vaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to show pictures of your ovaries on a monitor so your caregiver can check for cysts. A small tube is placed into your vagina.
Your caregiver may do surgery to see your ovaries or to take a biopsy (tissue sample). He may remove cysts or part of your ovaries.
You may get an infection or bleed too much after surgery to remove the cysts on your ovaries. Even with treatment, PCOS may return or get worse. PCOS may increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Problems with ovulation may further lead to abnormal uterine bleeding or endometrial cancer.
CARE AGREEMENT:You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.