Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, being one of the main causes of female infertility. Characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne and polycystic ovaries, this syndrome can have a significant impact on a woman's physical and emotional health. Therefore, it is essential to understand the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options available to effectively manage this condition.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
When it comes to identifying PCOS, there are a number of signs that women and their doctors need to monitor. The most common manifestation is the irregularity of menstrual cycles, which can take the form of no menstruation (amenorrhea) or infrequent menstrual cycles (oligomenorrhea). In addition to these, other symptoms include:
- Hirsutism, i.e. excessive hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen or other areas of the body.
- Acne or oily skin that may be more resistant to regular treatments.
- Alopecia, or thinning of hair on the scalp, also known as "male pattern baldness".
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, especially in the abdominal area.
- Insulin resistance, which can progress to type 2 diabetes.
- Polycystic ovaries, observable through a transvaginal ultrasound.
It is important to note that the presence of symptoms varies from person to person and not all women with PCOS will experience all of the symptoms listed.
Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The diagnosis of PCOS often requires a multisystemic approach. First, the doctor will consider the patient's medical history and perform a complete physical exam, including measuring the body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. In addition to these, a series of tests follow, including:
- Transvaginal ultrasound, to check the presence of cysts on the ovaries.
- Blood tests to measure hormone levels, including androgens, insulin and glucose.
- Blood tests that can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as hypothyroidism or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
The diagnosis of PCOS is generally made when two of the following three criteria, known as the Rotterdam criteria, are met:
- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
- The presence of symptoms or increased levels of androgen hormones.
- Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.
Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCOS treatment focuses on managing symptoms specific to each patient and reducing the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Treatment options include:
- Lifestyle changes: Losing weight through healthy diet and regular exercise can improve menstrual cycles and reduce insulin levels.
- Medications to control the menstrual cycle: Oral contraceptive pills can regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of hirsutism and acne.
- Fertility treatments: Medicines such as clomiphene or metformin can help induce ovulation in women who want to get pregnant.
- Surgery: In select cases, surgical procedures such as ovarian drilling may be recommended to stimulate ovulation.
Conclusion
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex condition that requires a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the signs and symptoms, along with working closely with medical specialists, can make the difference in effectively managing this condition and improving the patient's quality of life. If you suspect you have PCOS or would like more information, we encourage you to visit our women's health section or subscribe to our newsletter for news and expert advice.
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