DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I am a 25-year-old woman who suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome. I grow facial hair. I’ve tweezed the hair and had laser treatments, which messed up my skin. It’s embarrassing and a turn-off. Please help. Is there a vitamin or herb that can control it? — U.M.

ANSWER: Polycystic ovary syndrome, PCO, is defined by the following: an overproduction of male hormones; a decrease or stoppage of ovulation, which is manifested by a decrease to absence of menstrual periods; and enlarged ovaries studded with many cysts. Obesity often is part of the picture. So is an insensitivity to insulin, which raises blood sugar and leads to diabetes.

Another common manifestation is hirsutism, the growth of hair in places common for men, like the moustache area, the chin and cheeks, and the breasts.

Checking the blood for male hormones reveals high levels of it, and an all-out attack on that production can reverse many of PCO’s signs and symptoms.

One way of lowering male hormone levels is the use of birth-control pills. It takes six months of use before a woman sees a reduction in hirsutism. The maximum effect is achieved in nine months to a year. During this period, a woman can bleach the hair, which makes it less visible; shave it, which does not lead to more-rapid hair growth; or try electrolysis. I’m sorry lasers didn’t work for you. Should birth-control pills not greatly reduce hirsutism, the addition of an anti-male hormone drug like spironolactone often is effective.

Vaniqa is a cream that inhibits hair growth. It doesn’t remove hair, but it can be used in conjunction with shaving to discourage regrowth of hair.

You need to have comprehensive treatment for the whole spectrum of PCO complications. Your blood sugar needs checking. And your periods need to be restored if they have diminished or stopped.

No vitamin or herb controls this condition.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: In March of this year I had major surgery, and within 10 days I developed a blood clot. After 10 days of injections with Lovenox, I was put on Coumadin for the next six months.

Will you address the food restrictions when on Coumadin and explain why they exist? — N.L

ANSWER: Vitamin K is needed by the body to generate clotting factors, blood proteins that aid in the formation of blood clots to keep us from bleeding. Coumadin prevents clotting by interfering with the action of vitamin K.

Eating large quantities of vitamin K-containing foods can override the effect of Coumadin. It no longer keeps the blood thin (prevents clotting). Leafy green vegetables are rich in vitamin K. Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnip greens, watercress, collard greens and lettuce are examples of such foods.

You don’t have to worry about small amounts. You do have to pay attention to intermittent large amounts. But if you eat the same portions, even large portions, of these greens every day, you will be OK. You’ll know if you’re overdoing the vitamin K foods if your blood test shows a decline in the blood’s thinness.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have had an argument with my family quite a few times about this subject: Is there an insect or bug called no-see-ums? — G.B.

ANSWER: Definitely, no-see-ums exist. Their official name is “midges.” They’re tiny, gray to black, flying insects that bite in the evening. The female needs blood to produce eggs. People feel the bites, but often can’t see the insect because of its size and because of the dimmer evening light. Itching from the bites can be furious. They’re found mostly in warm, coastal areas.

My sister and brother-in-law migrate to the South during winter. Their first winter, my sister was a victim of a no-see-um attack. She’s been unbalanced ever since. No, that’s not true. She was unbalanced from the day she was born. Now she knows to put on insect repellent.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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