STEIN-LEVENTHAL SYNDROME

root cause

Unfortunately, it has not yet been clarified exactly what the exact causes of the Stein-Leventhal syndrome are or how this disease develops. It is believed that genetic or environmental factors play a role.
It was also found that women with Stein-Leventhal syndrome participated Obesity (Obesity) and therefore mostly also on diabetes Suffer. It can be assumed that these women are insulin resistant and thus lead to an increase in insulin (Hyperglycemia) is coming. It is assumed that this increase in insulin can lead to the fact that the hormone sex hormone-binding globin (short: SHBG; transport and storage protein for sex hormones), which is formed in the liver, is inhibited and increased Androgens are formed in the adrenal gland and ovary. This leads to an increase in androgens in the blood (hyperandrogenemia). It is not yet possible to say exactly whether the insulin resistance is the cause or the consequence. Just that it's involved.

Symptoms

Stein-Leventhal syndrome

The Menstrual period (Menstruation) is very weak in those affected or does not occur at all (Amenorrhea). Additionally it can multiply Miscarriages up to infertility (sterility)come. Likewise with the Stein-Leventhal syndrome the androgen levels (male sex hormone) in the blood are very high (Hyperandrogenemia).

Mostly due to the increased androgen formation in the Ovaries and caused in the woman's adrenal glands. The increased androgen values mean that now, through the stimulation of the pituitary gland (Pituitary gland), another hormone (luteinizing hormone; In short: LH) is increasingly produced and comes to its increase. The increased LH levels in turn lead to increased androgen production and Androgen increase in blood (Hyperandrogenemia).

Due to the increased male sex hormones, strong hairs can also be seen, especially in the pubic area and upper lips. Some women also complain oily skin, Hair loss, acne and obesity (Obesity). During the ultrasound examination you can see that the walls of the Ovaries (Ovaries) are very thickened and immature follicles are still in the ovaries.

diagnosis

At the Stein-Leventhal syndrome become Ultrasonic (Sonography) and laboratory (Hormone determination in the blood; Androgen / LH) used for clarification. Anamnesis (questioning the patient) is also important here. Because disturbances and course in the puberty and the Menstrual cycle as well as unwanted childlessness can already be signs of this disease. During the examinations, attention can also be paid to whether atypical features (extreme hair growth in the pubic area and face), Obesity and Hair loss can be recognized.

therapy

Which therapy with Stein Leventhal Syndrome is used depends on whether there is still a desire to have children. If the woman is finished with the family planning, the birth control pills be treated that suppresses androgen production. At the same time this leads to the Stein Leventhal Syndrome for a regular menstrual cycle and brings the hormonal balance back in order.

But still exists Desire for children usually the ovarian function must be stimulated. One tries first to lower the androgen elevation. Here is the women cortisone given in low doses to reduce androgen production in the adrenal glands. At the same time, if a normal menstrual cycle does not occur, one tries the ovulation (ovulation) to trigger medication. One uses for this, for example Clomiphene (Antiestrogen). Doesn't this clomiphene therapy help you? Stein Leventhal Syndrome, you can ovulate with follicle-stimulating hormone (short: FSH) stimulate.

By the way Diabetes mellitus, try this with a blood sugar lowering agent (for example Metformin) and the diet should also be changed.
Basically, as part of a Laparoscopy (laparoscopy) androgen-producing ovarian tissue or the cysts are surgically removed.