The ovary
is a very dynamic organ as its shape and appearance
changes according to its hormonal environment. During
the reproductive ages, the volume of the ovary increases
and it acquires a convoluted surface much like a walnut.
Depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, ovulating
ovaries have fluid-filled structures called follicles
which vary in size from 1 to 30 mm. There are about two
to five such follicles each of them containing a
microscopic egg. Polycystic
ovary, on the other hand, has more than 12 such
follicles arranged in a "pearl-necklace" pattern. A
polycystic ovary has a smooth thick surface covered with
blood vessels. The name "polycystic" is actually a
misnomer as polycystic ovaries do not have cysts but it
is the number of follicles and their particular pattern
that identifies the condition.
Polycystic
ovary is a pretty common condition. About one in four
women have it and of these 7% have polycystic ovary
syndrome. There are many myths surrounding polycystic
ovary. Women who are found to have polycystic
ovaries on an ultrasound scan may have regular
periods and do not have polycystic ovary syndrome, which
is characterized by irregular periods, excessive body
hair, acne, weight problems, infertility issues, and
other symptoms. Most women who have polycystic ovaries
are unaware of it as there are hardly any symptoms. It
does not cause pain. The pain could be due to ovulation
or a simple cyst which normally disappear without any
treatment. In order to diagnose a polycystic ovary, a
doctor may use one of the three tools: abdominal
ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, or laparoscopy. Of
these, vaginal ultrasound is most recommended as the
abdominal ultrasound does not provide a precise picture
and laparoscopy is an invasive surgical procedure.
Polycystic
ovaries tend to
run in families leading to a belief that it may be a
genetic problem. But recent studies have shown that it
may be a result of combined genetic and environmental
factors. Polycystic ovaries, if unaccompanied by any
other symptoms, do not require any
treatment.
Since the cause of the polycystic ovary is unclear, medications may just be like shooting in the dark. Though there may be no symptoms, it is not a normal anatomical or physiological feature and due to the myths surrounding it, could cause emotional problems in the patient. It is recommended that the patient undergo treatment from a holistic medicine practitioner. He/she will help eliminate the root cause of the problem and halt the progress of the syndrome. This treatment is safe, permanent, and totally without side effects.
