Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the diseases that brings with it many physiological and aesthetic problems, the incidence of which has been increasing in recent years.
This disease, which occurs in 1 out of every 10 women and is quite common in women of reproductive age, can also lead to infertility by causing ovulation disorders. If left untreated, polycystic ovary syndrome can lead to other diseases.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common hormonal disorders in women, is a health problem caused by the formation of many small and benign cysts in the ovaries.
In fact, there is no cyst in the ovaries, even though it is called a cyst. The biggest handicap of this disease, which characterizes a painful and difficult menstrual period in which ovulation is disrupted due to the formation of too many small eggs in the ovaries, is that it makes it difficult to have children.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, which predisposes to many different diseases, is a health problem in which genetic factors are also important.
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome?
Although it is not known exactly why polycystic ovary syndrome occurs, many factors are known to be decisive in the emergence of this disease. Genetic factors are the most important of these. Especially if the mother or sister has polycystic ovary syndrome, this disease is more likely to occur in the person.
Another risk factor for the disease is overweight. Obesity is thought to prepare a suitable ground for this disease. Because overweight causes an increase in the level of insulin hormone in the blood, which in turn increases androgen hormone synthesis.
This imbalance of sex hormones in the body can lead to a disruption of ovulation and the emergence of this disease.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?
- Disruption in menstrual cycle
- Failure to menstruate,
- Prolonged time between menstrual periods
- Body hair growth
- Weight gain
- Infertility and recurrent miscarriages
- Increased oiliness and acne on the face, chest and back
- Male pattern hair loss
- Elevated blood pressure
- Snoring
- Sleep apnea
- Thickening of the intrauterine wall
- The associated risk of developing uterine cancer in the future
- Voice thickening
- Breast shrinkage, shape changes
- Not having children.
How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?
In order to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, a detailed history of the patient must first be taken. Accordingly, the diagnosis is made with clinical findings and ultrasound.
Since it occurs in approximately 1 in 10 women, it is important for people to go to a doctor and have a gynecological examination after the symptoms they notice in themselves. At this point, hormone and complete blood count tests are usually performed.
The level of androgen hormones in the blood and the levels of the hormones FSH and LH are decisive in the diagnosis of this disease.
How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?
As with many female diseases, treatment of PCOS varies according to the course of the disease, the age, condition and expectations of the patient. But first of all, the patient must get rid of the factors that will make the treatment process difficult.
Accordingly, if she has a weight problem, she should lose weight with a dietician. If there is a hormonal disorder in the reproductive system as a result of the examinations, birth control pills or menstrual regulators can be given according to the hormonal disorders found in the blood test. In addition, hormone injections and various drugs with antiandrogen properties that lower the male hormone can be used.
If the disease in question prevents the person from having children, then various medications that promote ovulation are preferred. Some people with impaired ovarian function may also undergo laparoscopic ovarian surgery to restore a healthy ovarian function.