Ovaries

The main conditions that affect the ovaries are:

• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Ovarian cysts
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian torsion or twisting of the ovaries
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The usual symptoms that develop because of the above conditions are:

• Menstrual irregularities
• High stress and androgen levels
• Skin tags or dark patches on skin
• Skin problems like acne, oily skin and dandruff
• Lipid abnormalities
• Fatigue
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Abdominal problems like swelling and bloating
• Painful bowel movement
• Painful intercourse and decreased libido
• Fever, nausea and vomiting
• Pelvic pain before or after menstrual cycle
• Pain in the lower back or thighs.
• Breast tenderness.
• Rapid breathing.
• Faintness or dizziness.
• Sharp pelvic pain
• Pain or pressure in the belly.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

The four types of PCOS are:

• Insulin-resistant PCOS, 
• Inflammatory PCOS, 
• Hidden-cause PCOS, and 
• Pill-induced PCOS

The main causes of PCOS are:

• Genetic 
• Environmental exposure to certain chemicals or drugs

Medications can help regularize periods which in turn can increase the chances of fertilization. Also moderate weight loss can help achieve the desired result.

Common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Menstrual irregularities
• High stress and androgen levels
• Skin tags or dark patches on skin
• Skin problems like acne, oily skin and dandruff
• Lipid abnormalities
• Fatigue
• Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Abdominal problems like swelling and bloating
• Painful bowel movement
• Painful intercourse and decreased libido
• Fever, nausea and vomiting
• Pelvic pain before or after menstrual cycle
• Pain in the lower back or thighs.
• Faintness or dizziness.
• Sharp pelvic pain
• Pain or pressure in the belly.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

The common risks associated with PCOS are:

• Ovulation problems
• Lipid and glucose abnormalities that is insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
• Increased risk of developing endometrial cancer
• Cardiovascular risks, 
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Not all women with PCOS will develop these conditions, but having PCOS increases the risk of developing the same.

Treatments usually include controlling the symptoms of the associated problems like medications to regularize periods, control diabetes, maintain lipid profiles, improve fertility and excess hair removal. Regular diet, exercise and meditation can also help to maintain hormone levels.

Yes PCOS can lead to infertility by causing irregularities in the menstrual cycle and in fact is the most common cause of infertility among women.

Ovarian cancer encompasses a large number of tumors. About 80% are benign and occur in women aged between 20-45 years. Borderline tumors occur in women in slightly older ages and the malignant tumors are more common in women 45-65 years of age. By the time malignant tumors are diagnosed, they spread beyond the ovary and fallopian tube and present poor prognosis.

Treatment for ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

There are four stages of ovarian cancer:

Stage I: The cancer is confined to the ovary

Stage II: The cancer is confined to the pelvic organs

Stage III: Intraabdominal spread of the cancer to the omentum, diaphragm or lymph nodes

Stage IV: The cancer has spread outside abdominal cavity, spread in the parenchyma and presence in the pleural effusion or extraabdominal lymph nodes

The symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

• Abdominal problems like swelling and bloating
• Painful bowel movement
• Painful intercourse and decreased libido
• Fever, nausea and vomiting
• Pelvic pain before or after menstrual cycle
• Pain in the lower back or thighs.
• Faintness or dizziness.
• Sharp pelvic pain
• Pain or pressure in the belly.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

• Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.
• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
• The Cancer Institute, Adyar, Chennai.
• Apollo Speciality Hospital, Chennai.
• The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, Ahmedabad.
• HCG Cancer Hospitals Bengaluru
• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru.
• Cytecare Cancer Hospital Bengaluru