The
ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a
woman's uterus. The ovaries have follicles, which are
tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These
sacs are also known as cysts. Each month the follicles
grow, mature and rise to the surface of the ovary where
they rupture and release an egg so it can travel through
the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the egg
leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place. This process
is controlled by pituitary hormones. The remnants of the
ruptured follicle then begin to produce progesterone,
which stimulates the lining of the uterus called the
endometrium to grow thicker in anticipation of a
fertilized egg. The increase in progesterone production
is to signal it to stop stimulating the development of
eggs.
In polycystic
ovaries, the follicles grow just under the surface
of the ovaries and are produced again and again because
the pituitary has not been signaled to shut off. Both
the ovaries become filled with tiny cysts arranged
around the periphery of the ovary and become enlarged.
The covering of the ovarian capsule thickens causing
difficulty in the release of the egg. Polycystic ovaries
are quite common; about one in four women have them. In
about 7% of the women having polycystic ovaries,
symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as menstrual
irregularities, excessive weight gain, acne, abnormal
hair growth, etc. are seen. Without progesterone, the
menstrual cycle becomes irregular or totally absent. But
the cysts continue to produce male hormones, which
continue to prevent ovulation and lead to the appearance
of male characteristics. This condition is called
'polycystic ovarian syndrome'. Technically speaking,
they are not cysts which are fluid-filled sacs, but very
small egg follicles.
Polycystic
ovaries without
polycystic ovarian syndrome may be due either to normal
variations, or the conditions that lead to multiple
ovarian cysts. It is not entirely clear why some women
with polycystic ovaries are symptom-free while others
seem to have a plethora of symptom or are badly affected
by one symptom in particular. It is possible that polycystic
ovaries are an inherited condition. However the
factors that influence the development of the symptoms
include environmental factors such as diet and weight as
well as lifestyle.
Since
environmental and lifestyle factors could influence the
manifestation of the condition, it is highly recommended
that polycystic ovaries when detected be treated with
holistic medicine. The presence or absence of symptoms
will not affect the treatment as it takes into account
the body as a whole, a sum total of all physical,
mental, psychological, emotional as well as spiritual
components. A healing of all these component parts will
result in a healthy being.
