Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome
Related Women’s Issues
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 08/31/1999]
Question: I am female and since puberty I have had facial hair that is just like a man’s.I have also been very overwieght since then.Has my body interpreted the excess wieght as male and given me too much testosterone instead of female hormones?I am 32 now and have regular female development.I also experience PMS.Could natural estrogen help me,such as soy,or vitamins?Is this a sign of diabetes?
Answer: Depending on your family history this sounds a lot like Stein-Leventhal or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Estrogen is converted to testerone by fat cells. So women with lots of fat cells, convert lots of estrogen to testerone. This results in facial hair, irregular periods and a strong sex drive since testerone is responsible for the sex drive in both women and men. There are treatments available. First, your md needs to ensure that the male hormones are not too high, there are some other tests after that. Call your ob or internist.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and
Rezulin [posted 8/11/98]
Question: Does rezulin really help hyperinsulinism? Is there any success rates
shown in any studies to show increase in pregnancy while being on rezulin to control
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Answer: Yes, usually. I’m not aware of studies on pregnant women, probably
unethical.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Question: I have been recently diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I was
taking Sprionolactone for treatment, but it caused me to have periods/spotting every two
weeks. My endocrinologist has suggested two options for me. Using the pill in conjunction
with the Sprionolactone, or a Cortisone treatment. Which one is better? Is it safe to use
steroids to treat this condition? Please advise me.
Answer: Stick with the pill/spirolactore combo first. Also, work aggressively on
losing weight. Weight is one of the contributors to the problem.
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