polycystic ovary syndrome

POLYCYSTIC OVER SYNDROME

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal problem that affects approximately 5 to 8 percent of all women, negatively affecting reproductive functions, general health and physical appearance due to imbalance in female reproductive hormones and metabolic problems.

Why does polycystic ovary syndrome occur?

In a healthy woman of reproductive age, ‘estrogen’ and ‘progesterone’ hormones are produced from the ovaries. These are our female hormones. While these hormones control the menstrual cycle, ‘follicle stimulating hormone’ (FSH) and ‘luteinizing hormone’ (LH) secreted from the brain control ovulation.

In PCOS, the ovaries do not work normally and produce too much testosterone. Many tiny follicles found in the ovaries contain immature eggs. None of these can develop enough to stimulate ovulation. Lack of ovulation also creates an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels are lower than normal. However, too much androgens are produced. Increasing androgen levels disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause a decrease in menstrual frequency seen in PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Polycystic ovary syndrome does not develop in more than half of those whose ovaries have an ultrasonographic appearance of polycystic (many tiny (< 8 mm in diameter) fluid-filled vesicles in the ovaries) and do not have any other complaints.

The most common complaints in PCOS are as follows:

• Decrease in menstrual frequency or absence of menstruation

• Intense menstrual bleeding: Since ovulation is not regular, in cases where bleeding is delayed, the thickened intrauterine tissue eventually ‘breaks’ and bleeds, and the severity of bleeding increases as the tissue thickens.

• Male pattern hair growth: In women, dense and hard hair is observed in the mustache area, chin, anterior chest wall and groin.

• Acne (Acne): It occurs due to increased androgens making the skin more oily.

• Weight gain: Up to 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese.

• Male pattern hair loss: On the scalp and on the top, the hair becomes thinner and falls out.

Health problems caused by PCOS:

• Infertility: The absence of ovulation reduces the chances of conception.

• Although PCOS is seen in reproductive age, the risk of long-term complications (diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular diseases) increases with age.

• Sleep apnea (a sleep disorder that prevents people from breathing for a short time while sleeping.)

• Diabetes (high blood sugar)

• high cholesterol levels

• Depression, anxiety, eating disorders

• Endometrial cancer

PCOS Diagnostic Steps:

• Blood tests: Hormone tests, glucose tolerance tests, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are checked.

• If there is a missed period, first of all pregnancy test

• Pelvic ultrasound: It is checked whether the ovaries are polycystic.

The presence of two of these three criteria is often diagnostic:

1. High androgen levels: blood values ​​or physical examination findings that indicate (hirsutism, acne, male pattern hair loss)

2. Menstrual irregularity: Frequent or infrequent or no menstruation

3. polycystic ovaries

What is PCOS treatment?

In PCOS, the treatment is based on the complaint.

First of all, lifestyle changes: If you are overweight or obese, losing even 10% of your current weight will regulate your periods and also reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease as it lowers insulin resistance and high cholesterol.

• Birth control pills: The most commonly used are the main treatment for PCOS. Pills are not therapeutic for this disease, but they are very effective in complaints of menstrual irregularity, acne and hair growth. In the long term, they also reduce the increased risk of uterine cancer in PCOS patients.

• Anti-androgen drugs: The most commonly used agent is spironolactone. These drugs block hormones that cause certain symptoms of PCOS, such as acne and facial hair growth.

• Progestins: Mostly the preferred agent is medroxyprogesterone or natural progesterone. When these drugs are taken regularly, they regulate menstruation and protect against uterine cancer.

• Metformin: It is used in cases with insulin resistance. In this group of patients, it can help regulate the blood sugar and make menstrual periods more regular with its metabolic effect.

• Medicated skin lotions or antibiotics to treat acne

• Hair removal: laser therapy to remove extra hair

• Infertility: Most women with PCOS can get pregnant, but it may take some time. If you are overweight, losing weight can help regularize your periods and increase your chances of getting pregnant. ‘Ovulation-inducing’ drugs (ovulation therapy) are used to help conception. Metformin is also added in those with insulin resistance. PCOS is the most treatable cause of infertility.