Key facts
- It is estimated that polycystic ovary syndrome (ovarian syndrome) affects about 8 to 13% of women of reproductive age.
- About 70% of women infected with the disease in the world still have not been diagnosed.
- Ovarian syndrome is the most common cause of anovulation and the leading cause of infertility.
- Ovarian syndrome is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional well-being.
- Ovarian syndrome is a genetic disease, but there are racial differences in how it appears and how it affects individuals.
Overview
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually begins to appear during adolescence, but its symptoms vary over time.
Ovarian syndrome can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, increased androgen levels and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular menstrual cycles, usually accompanied by a lack of ovulation, can make pregnancy difficult. Ovarian syndrome is the main cause of infertility.
Ovarian syndrome is a chronic condition that cannot be treated. However, some of its symptoms can be alleviated by lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments.
The cause of ovarian syndrome is not yet known, but women with a family history or those with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop it.
Scope of the problem
Ovarian syndrome represents a major public health problem and one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women of reproductive age. It is estimated that this health condition affects about 8 to 13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases remain undiagnosed.
The prevalence of ovarian syndrome is higher in some ethnicities and these groups are often exposed to more complications, especially those resulting from metabolic problems.
The biological and psychological effects of ovarian syndrome, particularly those related to obesity, body image and infertility, can cause mental health problems and social stigma.
Symptoms
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can vary from person to person. Symptoms may change over time and often occur without a clear causative factor.
Possible symptoms include:
- Heavy, prolonged, intermittent, unpredictable, or complete absence of menstrual periods
- Infertility
- Acne or oily skin
- Excess hair on the face or body
- Male pattern baldness or thinning hair
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
People with ovarian syndrome are more likely than others to develop other health conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol level
- My heart disease
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the uterus).
Ovarian syndrome can also cause anxiety, depression, and negative body image. Some symptoms, such as infertility, obesity and unwanted hair growth, can lead to social stigma. This can affect other aspects of life such as family, interpersonal relationships, work, and community participation.
Diagnosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the following:
- Signs or symptoms of high androgen levels (unwanted appearance of hair on the face or body, hair loss, acne or high level of testosterone in the blood) – after ruling out other causes;
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles – after ruling out other causes;
- Detection of polycystic ovaries by ultrasound scanning
Blood tests can be used to determine distinct changes in hormone levels, although these changes are not universal. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have high levels of:
- Testosterone (ovarian androgen that affects hair growth);
- Estrogen (ovarian hormone that stimulates the growth of the uterine lining);
- Luteinizing hormone ("LH", which is a pituitary hormone that affects the ovaries' production of hormones and is important for normal ovulation);
- Insulin (a hormone that uses energy mainly from food);
- Anti-Müllerian hormone (measures the level of ovarian fertility).
Doctors also keep in mind, when making a diagnosis, that irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation may be normal features of puberty or menopause, that polycystic ovary syndrome may be hereditary, and that women with a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome or type 2 diabetes More susceptible than others to infection. In addition, the ultrasound image is not always clear and some women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have an ultrasound scan that does not show polycystic ovaries.
treatment
There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but treatments can relieve symptoms.
Women who experience irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, or excessive acne and hair growth should talk to a health care professional.
Some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can be alleviated by lifestyle changes. Following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise can help lose weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Birth control medications (birth control pills) can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms, and other medications can limit acne or unwanted hair growth caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.
Treatments for infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to stimulate regular ovulation. In vitro fertilization can be used but carries some risks.