What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs due to irregular hormone production. It is one of the most common hormonal disorders in reproductive women. Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs in almost one in 10 women. Small and benign cysts are formed in the ovaries, and it manifests itself due to these cysts. Polycystic ovary syndrome causes menstrual disorders, hair growth, excess weight and acne in women. Although more than one cyst is seen in the definition of this disease, about 30 percent of the patients may not have any cysts on ultrasound imaging.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders experienced by women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by irregular periods, such as missed periods or periods at indefinite intervals. In case of polycystic ovary, some symptoms occur on the skin due to the increase in androgen hormones in the blood. These symptoms include acne, oil, hair loss and hair growth.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is caused by hormonal problems, is caused by the intense secretion of the hormone androgen by the glands (ovaries).
The FSH/LH hormone test is 3 in a woman who does not have this syndrome, but these values can be higher in women with polycystic ovary syndrome . Women with intense acne on the skin, abnormal weight gain and women who cannot have regular periods should suspect polycystic ovary syndrome and consult a specialist for early treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized by ovulation problems and increased androgen levels. It can also manifest itself in case of indefinite or no menstruation for a certain period of time, usually due to ovulation problems.
Among these conditions, it manifests itself with intense hair growth, hair loss and increased acne. We can list the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome as follows;

  • Insulin resistance
  • Abnormal increase in weight
  • Hair loss
  • Male pattern hair growth
  • Acne breakouts
  • Oily skin
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Pain in the head area
  • Anxiety

Although a definitive diagnosis is not made with ultrasonic imaging, blood tests should be performed on women at puberty to observe whether polycystic ovary syndrome is observed.

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

It is not exactly clear which condition causes this disease. It is also observed that the hormone 'insulin' causes this disease. Insulin, which allows sugar, which has an important place in the body, to reach the body cells from the blood to obtain energy, is secreted from beta cells that detect sugar in the pancreas. Excess insulin levels that occur in the body with insulin resistance increase the production of male hormone in the ovary.

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Diagnosed?

In cases where polycystic ovary syndrome is suspected, the history of the patient is first learned and clinical evaluation is applied. Polycystic ovary syndrome is among the most common ovulation problems. It occurs in almost 1 in every 10 women. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also seen in girls in adolescence and young adulthood.
Especially girls who are overweight, cannot menstruate, have acne on their skin and have oily skin should be observed for polycystic ovary syndrome. It is also seen in people who are much more overweight and have male pattern hair growth.
Not every young girl with menstrual irregularities may have polycystic ovary syndrome. There may be a physiological problem in girls who experience menstrual irregularities for the first time.
Hormone and complete blood count tests are generally performed to find out whether there ispolycystic ovary syndrome. Determination of the ratio of androgen hormones in the blood and the ratios of hormones called FSH and LH are important for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, ultrasonic imaging and visualization of the structure of the ovaries help to make a diagnosis.

What are the Treatment Methods for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

After the physical examination, it is checked whether there is a problem in reproductive function. Depending on the hormonal disorder seen in the blood test, birth control drugs or pills that regulate menstruation can be used under the control of a doctor. However, if there are disorders that develop due to this disease, another form of treatment can be applied by the specialist.
Ifpolycystic ovary cannot be treated for a long time, it can cause other disorders according to this syndrome. Infertility can be seen at the beginning of the problems directly observed in people with polycystic ovary syndrome .
Excess secretion of androgens in the human body causes problems such as hair loss, hair growth, oiliness and acne on the skin. Therefore, in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, a detailed treatment is applied by taking all these problems into consideration. Depending on the health status of the person, an appropriate nutrition program and exercise are also recommended for the patient. In addition, pills that reduce insulin resistance and reduce the effect of male hormone may also be recommended.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At05 March 2024
Created At24 October 2022
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