Pathology/Physiology - Essay Example

Women, in particular, are greatly impacted by health issues because they bear children. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, commonly known as PCOS is a common condition in women of child-bearing age and can have heterogenous presentation (Aziz et al, 2004). Women who have been diagnosed with the syndrome are faced with fertility issues and the possible risks of related health issues. This research paper is intended to gain insights into various aspects of polycystic ovarian syndrome to enhance the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and various management strategies.

Women experience several difficulties with the ovaries. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is defined as "a medical condition, in which there is an imbalance of the female sex hormones i.e. elevated levels of testosterone, DHEA-S, androstenedione, prolactin, and LH along with a normal, high or low estrogen levels" (Kumar and Khan, 2012). Many women discover they have the condition when they go for routine pap smears. For some reason, there is a surge in the prevalence of polycystic ovarian syndrome women either due to environmental interactions or due to increased evaluation secondary to awareness of the patients.

Lack of finances and physical fitness education are the greatest challenges to attaining appropriate treatment. Medical examinations, vitamins, and healthy food cost money and lack of resources can mean utilizing what is attainable rather than what it is appropriate. Clinicians use Rotterdam criteria for diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. According to Rotterdam criteria diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome is made in a woman if 2 of 3 criteria are met: "irregular or absent ovulation, elevated levels of androgenic hormones, and/or enlarged ovaries containing at least 12 follicles each" (Azziz, 2006).

Also, prior to establishing the diagnosis, conditions with similar presenting features must be