Project PCOS Experts answer questions about PCOS!
Project PCOS is thrilled to be working with a diverse group of experts from around the world, specializing in PCOS, PCOS symptoms and treatments for PCOS and PCOS Symptoms.
Project PCOS offers, an Ask the Experts Section, which allows community members and visitors to our site and forums to have one on one communication with medical professionals, practioners and advocates who are dedicated to ensuring women and girls with PCOS receive the information and answers they need to live healthier and happier lives with PCOS.
Some of the recent questions and experts that have been featured in our ask the experts forum are as follows:
Question to our experts-
Is either Mirena or Paragard better for helping control PCOS
symptoms? Or, is it just effective for birth control?
Dr. Mark Trolice answers -
Mirena is a very good option for PCOS patients because it release a continuous dose of a synthetic progestin to counter the unopposed build up of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) by estrogen stimulation from the ovaries due to ovulation dysfunction. Paraguard does not have hormones and will not be effective at prevening the endometrial risk of hyperplasia - a precancerous condition (excessive build up of the lining of the uterus).
Question to our experts
What causes the cysts on the ovaries and can they go away?
Dr. Suhail Doi Answers -
The polycystic ovary is characterized by an increased number of small
antral follicles compared with normal ovaries, with 10–12 follicles
in a single plane on ultrasound. These follicles are not atretic,
rather, their growth is prematurely arrested, resulting in failure of
dominant follicle development and reflects failure of ovulation. There
are many theories for the latter, but I believe that the abnormal
steroid mileu within the ovary in PCOS is to blame. They usually get
better as women with PCOS get older and eventually go away. However,
these cysts are a consequence of the problem and not a cause and as
such do not correlate with symptoms or severity and are only useful in
making a diagnosis of PCOS.
Question to our experts -
Why is it difficult to loose weight with PCOS
Dr. Shahab Minassian Answers:
As for difficulty losing, this is not easy to answer if the specific person’s situation is not known (what are they really doing to control their PCOS and how hard are they working on it?; how high is their BMI?). But, generally speaking, it requires a full review of the type and amount of efforts used in weight loss: diet and exercise. And, if they are on medication (metformin). We find that the most likely reason that patient do not lose weight is the lack of committment to an exercise program, followed by poor dietary efforts. Some of them are undermedicated. Over many years of treatinf patients it is becoming clearer to us at our center that PCOS weight loss efforts are global: medicine - standard doses of metformin, exercise - cardio, sweat-breaking, fast heart rate, at least 20-30 minutes and up, and diet- lower carb,although there is decent evidence that low calorie diets themselves are good too. Finally, if the BMI is really high, say over 40, short of a supreme effort above (not easy for us) gastric bypass surgery may be a good option.
To read more questions and answers or to submit your own question for our experts, please visit our Ask the Experts Forum
- Ashley Tabeling COO and Founder, Project PCOS
September 1st, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I have had this condition for at least 15 years. However, I was misdiagnosed for the first 5-7 years due to my doctor’s lack of knowledge. I’ve experienced almost every symptom listed. There is nothing more embarrassing than to be a vibrant, beautiful young woman who has to shave her face daily! It took a toll on my self-esteem. Not to mention the constant battle with weight. I couldn’t lose more than 5 pounds in a year even on the Glucophage. I’m sharing these unflattering facts about myself to try to help other women who may be facing similar situations. I’ve found some solutions that have worked tremendously for me and may help you. First, I started laser hair removal. You cannot go for one or two treatments and expect results. The company that I selected offered up to 9 treatments every 2 1/2 months which averages to a 2 year period. They also have a life time guarantee. I chose to do my entire body and I am well pleased with the results. I have completed 5 sessions and have 4 more to go. However, I haven’t shaved once within the past 3 months and the hair that has returned is very fine and I have 80% less growth than before. I am being treated at Ideal Image in Orlando. Next I needed to get my weight under control. I found a great website where I began to follow the online food menus and workout to the great exercise videos. I’ve had a 17 lb weight loss and many inches. Believe me, 17 pounds may not sound much to you but it is extraordinary for me since I couldn’t even lose 5 pounds before. My weight loss has improved my cholesterol and Hypertension. You can read my story and see my current transformation if you visit www.fitnpaid.com. I hope this information has been helpful to you.