What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? What Are Its Symptoms?

What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? What Are Its Symptoms?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. It is a condition in which ovulation is reduced or absent, and ovulation cannot occur, due to disruption of the estrogenic environment around the eggs, which leads to irregular menstruation and absence of menstruation. When ovulation is reduced or absent, it can make becoming pregnant more difficult. Ultrasound shows a large number of eggs accumulated in the ovaries. Increased hair growth, insulin resistance or diabetes, thickening of the uterine lining due to absence of menstruation, uterine cancer, and high blood pressure may occur.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause more than one disease in women. Examples of these diseases include: obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, hirsutism (excess hair growth), hypertension, abnormal blood fats and high cholesterol, fatty liver, gestational diabetes, high prolactin, Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases, increased risk of heart disease, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, eating disorders, attention deficit, vitamin D deficiency, increased stress, and depression.

These complaints may begin during adolescence. In some women, there may be no complaints or symptoms until adulthood.

In this disease, hormones function irregularly. Excessive secretion of LH (a hormone with a very important role in the reproductive system), which is secreted by the pituitary gland, and of androgen hormones from the ovaries causes impairment of ovarian functions. Insulin levels may be high, and insulin resistance may develop as a result of the condition. In addition, increases in testosterone-type hormones called androgens may also be seen.

Because of this disease, women menstruate for short periods or ovulate little or not at all, so the body may be exposed to high estrogen effects for a long time. Progesterone secreted after ovulation in women can suppress the effects of estrogen and may increase the risk of uterine cancer.

What Are the Causes of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known. It can be passed on genetically from person to person within families. Obesity, the most important factor, along with several other factors, may also cause polycystic ovary syndrome.

High androgen levels: High androgen levels cause the ovaries to menstruate irregularly. Irregular ovulation can also lead to the development of cysts in the ovaries. Rising androgens cause excessive hair growth and acne in women.

Insulin resistance: An increase in insulin levels causes the ovaries to produce and secrete male hormones (androgens). Increased male hormones suppress ovulation, leading to polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin helps your body process glucose (sugar) and use it for energy. Insulin resistance is a condition in which the pancreas does not secrete insulin properly, resulting in high amounts of glucose in the blood. Not all individuals with insulin resistance have high glucose or diabetes, but insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Being overweight or obese can also increase insulin resistance. Blood sugar may be normal even when insulin levels are high.

Inflammation: People with polycystic ovary syndrome may have chronic low-grade inflammation. Tests that measure C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates the level of inflammation in the blood, and white blood cell levels can be performed.

Although most women with polycystic ovary syndrome can have a successful pregnancy, having polycystic ovary syndrome may increase the risk of some pregnancy complications. Polycystic ovary syndrome may cause the following increased risks of other pregnancy-related complications.

Preeclampsia

Gestational diabetes

High blood pressure

Preterm birth (delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy) or cesarean delivery is considered appropriate in cases of obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

It is extremely important for women with polycystic ovary syndrome to have a gynecological examination every year. To protect against certain diseases, especially diabetes in later years, excessive weight gain should be prevented, regular exercise should be done in daily life, and if deemed appropriate by doctors, regular menstrual cycles should be maintained with medication.

What Are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Several symptoms may appear along with menstrual irregularity in polycystic ovary syndrome. Genetic predisposition plays a major role in these symptoms. However, they may also appear in later years. Although symptoms vary from person to person, the symptoms commonly seen in women can be listed as follows.

Irregular menstruation: periods may be absent or irregular.

There may be difficulty becoming pregnant.

Weight gain may occur.

Acne may develop on the skin.

Hair growth may occur on the face and body.

Hair loss may occur.

It may cause depression and anxiety. Inflammation being present in the brain may cause psychological changes.

Sleep apnea may develop.

In some women, pain during menstruation is severe, but if there is chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis (chocolate cyst) may be seen.

Infertility may occur.

Voice may become deeper.

Breast enlargement, shrinkage, and tenderness may occur.

Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related high blood pressure may develop.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

In a woman with menstrual irregularity, elevated androgenic hormones are diagnostic when they cause clinical findings in the patient or are elevated in laboratory tests. Ultrasound does not always need to show the classic polycystic appearance. A significant rise in LH compared with FSH is important for diagnosis. Androgenic hormones may be normal or may be elevated. Additionally, an elevated insulin resistance HOMA score can be detected.

Another method used for diagnosis is examination of the ovaries by ultrasound. In polycystic ovary syndrome, the ovaries enlarge and may contain many follicular cysts. However, not every woman develops cysts in the ovaries. Diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome by ultrasound alone in the first 2-3 years after puberty can be misleading. It is recommended that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome have regular follow-up checks.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

After polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed, by starting the treatment recommended by your doctor, symptoms can be minimized, menstrual irregularity can be prevented, and, most importantly, infertility can be prevented. However, polycystic ovary syndrome is not a disease that can be completely cured.

Nevertheless, in addition to the medications used, weight gain can be prevented with regular and balanced nutrition programs. Daily exercise is recommended to prevent physical inactivity during the day.

If the symptoms seen in polycystic ovary syndrome occur in an individual, it is extremely important to see a doctor. With early diagnosis, the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can be reduced and adverse effects on health can be prevented. Regular health check-ups are recommended because health problems increase in later stages of life.

The doctor and the hospital are very important; the medications given to the patient, and the tests and examinations performed during this treatment process, must be carried out in proper proportion.

How Should We Eat With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

As in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, the nutrition program should also be arranged specifically for the individual. Here too, the goal should be to break the insulin resistance that is most likely present in those with high body weight and to help the individual lose weight. Sugar that the body does not use can lead to hypoglycemia and, consequently, excessive sweet consumption when hungry. Things that can be done for nutrition in polycystic ovary syndrome:

Sugar and sugary foods should be avoided.

Foods made with whole grain flours should be preferred instead of white flour.

Choosing foods with a low glycemic index is recommended.

Sudden hunger can be prevented with foods high in protein.

Since it may be accompanied by hypertension, salt consumption should be limited and drinking plenty of water is recommended.

Exercise should be included in the daily routine to prevent physical inactivity.

The recommended amount of fiber should be consumed in the daily diet.

Healthy fats and nuts should be included in the diet instead of animal-based fats.

Carbonated drinks, fried foods, and syrupy desserts should be avoided.

The amount of water each individual needs daily should be determined and water intake should be increased.

The diet list should be specific to the individual. It varies according to the person's lifestyle, activity level, body mass index, and needs. After polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed, you should definitely consult your dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to a few frequently asked questions about polycystic ovary syndrome are as follows: Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition encountered by individuals during their reproductive years. Becoming pregnant may be difficult due to menstrual irregularity. With today's technology, many existing treatment methods can make it possible for the individual to become pregnant. There is no surgical treatment option for polycystic ovary syndrome. Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome may experience irregular and prolonged uterine bleeding. In cases of heavy bleeding, it is recommended to go to the hospital. It cannot be said that women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome enter early menopause. In individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome, hair growth and menstrual irregularity, as well as many diseases caused by it, occur. Polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be completely eliminated, but it is possible to treat it and reduce the symptoms and diseases that accompany it. Medications and materials used for polycystic ovary syndrome should be FDA-approved. If you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, it is important to consult a doctor.