Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excess androgen levels, and cysts on the ovaries. It can lead to symptoms such as infertility, acne, excessive hair growth, and weight gain, often requiring management through lifestyle changes and medication.

Symptoms

Irregular periods: Menstrual cycles that are infrequent, prolonged, or absent.

Excessive hair growth: Known as hirsutism, it causes unwanted facial and body hair in women.

Acne and oily skin: Hormonal imbalances often lead to skin issues.

Weight gain: Difficulty managing weight, often due to insulin resistance.

Thinning hair: Hair loss or thinning on the scalp, a common symptom of PCOS.

Risk Factors

Genetics: Family history of PCOS increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Obesity: Excess body weight can worsen symptoms, especially with insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance: Higher levels of insulin in the body may contribute to hormonal imbalances and worsen symptoms.

Age: Most commonly diagnosed in women in their 20s or 30s.

Diagnosis

Physical Exam: Includes checking for symptoms like excess hair growth and acne.

Blood Tests: To measure hormone levels, including elevated androgens or insulin.

Ultrasound: Can reveal cysts on the ovaries, a hallmark of PCOS.

Treatment Options

Medications: Birth control pills to regulate periods and manage symptoms, or metformin to address insulin resistance.

Lifestyle Changes: Weight management through diet and exercise can help control symptoms.

Fertility Treatments: For women struggling with infertility, medications like Clomid may help with ovulation.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, pain, and sometimes fertility issues. The displaced tissue behaves like uterine lining by thickening, breaking down, and bleeding during the menstrual cycle, but it has no way to exit the body, leading to pain, scarring, and adhesions. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse, and difficulty getting pregnant. Endometriosis can be managed through medication, hormonal therapy, and sometimes surgery, but there is no known cure.

Symptoms

Pelvic pain: Chronic, often severe, pain before or during menstruation.

Heavy periods: Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.

Pain during intercourse: Discomfort or pain during or after sex.

Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy, especially during menstruation.

Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant is a common concern for women with endometriosis.

Risk Factors

Family History: A family member with endometriosis increases the risk of developing it.

Menstrual cycle: Early onset of menstruation and longer periods increase the likelihood.

Age: Commonly diagnosed in women in their 30s and 40s.

Immune system issues: Conditions that affect immune function can contribute to endometriosis.

Diagnosis

Pelvic Exam: A doctor may check for signs of endometriosis, like cysts or scar tissue.

Ultrasound: Helps detect cysts or abnormalities, though a laparoscopy is the most definitive test.

Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen to directly view the reproductive organs and confirm the presence of endometriosis.

Treatment Options

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or prescription medications.

Hormonal Therapy: Birth control or hormonal medications to reduce menstruation and control symptoms.

Surgery: In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery can remove endometrial tissue or cysts.

Fertility Treatments: For women trying to conceive, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be an option.

Symptoms

Swelling: Excessive swelling, especially in the hands, face, and feet, is common in preeclampsia due to fluid retention.

Protein in urine: Proteinuria, or the presence of excess protein in the urine, is a key sign of kidney involvement.

Visual disturbances: Blurry vision, seeing spots or flashes of light, or temporary loss of vision may occur due to high blood pressure.

Severe headaches: Persistent and severe headaches are a common symptom, often resulting from increased blood pressure.

Risk Factors

Pre-existing hypertension: Women who already have high blood pressure are at greater risk of developing preeclampsia.

Multiple pregnancies: Carrying twins or more increases the likelihood of developing preeclampsia.

Age: Women under 20 or over 40 years of age are at an increased risk.

Obesity: Being overweight or obese during pregnancy raises the risk of preeclampsia.

Diagnosis

Blood tests: Blood tests help assess kidney function, liver function, and the presence of protein in the urine.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is used to monitor the baby’s growth, amniotic fluid levels, and blood flow to detect signs of preeclampsia complications.

Physical exam: Regular checks of blood pressure and the presence of swelling help diagnose preeclampsia during pregnancy.

Treatment Options

Aspirin: Low-dose aspirin may be prescribed for high-risk pregnant women to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.

Magnesium sulfate: Administered in the hospital to prevent seizures in women with severe preeclampsia.

Blood pressure medications: Drugs like methyldopa, labetalol, or nifedipine can help control high blood pressure.

Induced labor or delivery: In severe cases, early delivery may be necessary to protect both mother and baby.