Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Description
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition that affects female hormones. Normally, women have a small amount of male sex hormones. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the female ovaries produce an abnormal amount of male sex hormones which can inhibit ovulation and lead to irregular periods, acne, and excessive hair growth on the face and body. PCOS is the most prevalent cause of infertility and affects 7–10% of women of reproductive age. The most prevalent hormonal illness in women of reproductive age is polycystic ovary syndrome, however many of these women are unaware they have it. Insulin resistance is a common condition that affects women with polycystic ovaries; the body can produce insulin but cannot effectively use it which increases their risk of getting type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of polycystic ovaries may include :
- No periods, irregular periods
- Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back
- Weight gain, especially around the belly
- Oily skin or acne
- Difficulty getting pregnant
Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)
- Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
Some women only have one symptom, while others experience them all.
Visit a Gynaecologist (Gynaecology and Infertility doctor) if you notice any of the above symptoms.
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View MoreCauses
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unclear. There are many factors that contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome. It is believed that there are several potential causes, and they may vary among various girls or women.
- Excess male hormones
- Insulin resistance or elevated insulin levels
- Family history of having polycystic ovaries
- Obesity
Diagnostics
In addition to assessing the signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, your doctor will examine you and may order the following tests and scans :
- Blood hormone levels (to detect high levels of male sex hormones or insulin hormone)
- Ovarian ultrasound (the ultrasound findings may include several tiny follicles on enlarged ovaries (which look like cysts, hence the name "polycystic").
Treatment
There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but the symptoms can be treated.
- If you have polycystic ovary syndrome and you're overweight, you can lose weight and lessen your symptoms by eating well and engaging in more physical activity. They may aid in ovulation, decrease blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity in your body.
- If you have polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes, your doctor may prescribe metformin.
- Birth control pills assist in regulating menstrual periods, reducing testosterone levels, and reducing acne.
- Infertility treatment (clomiphene) to enhance fertility and ovulation.
Most women with polycystic ovary syndrome can get pregnant when they receive treatment.
If you have polycystic ovary syndrome, you are more likely to develop other serious conditions, especially if you are overweight :
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
