Everything You Should Know About Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a quite common disease that affects almost 10 percent of women all over the world. Moreover, this condition is considered the most common cause of infertility. Despite the fact that PCOS has a great number of unpleasant consequences, timely and proper treatment can significantly reduce their manifestations. In this article, we will tell you everything you should know about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary is a hormonal disorder that occurs as a result of malfunctioning of organs and glands that release hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and androgen. As a result of changes in the hormone levels, the process of ovulation doesn’t occur and eggs develop into fluid-filled follicles. These follicles turn into numerous cysts, which are attached to the surface of the ovary and inside it.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common disease in women of reproductive age. Unfortunately, the exact cause of the disease is not thoroughly known, and its symptoms may not be pronounced.

What types of PCOS are known?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is usually divided into two categories:

• Primary or congenital polycystic ovary syndrome

• Secondary polycystic ovary syndrome

  
  

Primary PCOS is a congenital form of the disease, which manifests itself in adolescence at the stage of the menstrual cycle formation. Secondary PCOS is the result of chronic anovulation and hormonal failure in a woman's body. In gynecology, the secondary polycystic ovary syndrome develops in women with adrenal hyperandrogenism.

There are a number of differences between these two forms of the disease, according to which the category of PCOS can be diagnosed. You should know that the main distinguishing feature is that a woman with the secondary stage of OCOS can get pregnant in some cases while women with primary PCOS are usually infertile.

Another difference between the secondary and the primary PCOS is the size of the affected areas. In the secondary PCOS, the enlargement of ovaries is asymmetric. In the primary form, the ovaries increase evenly. In order to identify this feature, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound of both ovaries with the help of modern equipment. Ultrasound can help your doctor diagnose you as accurately as possible.

Signs of polycystic ovary syndrome

If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is important to inform your doctor about your symptoms. This can help get the correct diagnose and start PCOS treatment as soon as possible.

The most common PCOS symptoms include:

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Obesity

• Acne and excessive sebum release

• Increased hair greasiness 

• Excessive body hair 

• Drawing constant pains in the lower abdomen

• Infertility issues

The consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome

As we mentioned before, PCOS is accompanied by an increase in the female body's hormones androgens that partially (oligovulation) or completely (anovulation) prevent the occurrence of ovulation. As a result, a woman with PCOS can’t become pregnant. In addition to infertility, there are other negative consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome. The most common of them include

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Diabetes

• Cancer of the inner lining of the uterus

• Breast cancer;

• Increased insulin in the blood

• Uterine bleeding

  
  

In many cases, PCOS occurs against a background of diseases caused by a malfunction of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. PCOS also affects insulin production. This uncontrolled process is expressed in excess weight gain, increased androgen synthesis, thickening of the follicle walls, and the formation of new cysts.

PCOS treatment options

PCOS treatment usually depends on the symptoms,  manifestations of the disease, and the patient's age. If the main problem is infertility, the treatment is aimed to restore menstrual and reproductive functions at the same time. Initially, the treatment of patients with PCOS consisted of surgery. However, surgery is not always possible and doesn't always lead to success. In addition, surgery can contribute to the development of an adhesive process. Treatment of patients with PCOS usually involves an integrated approach. Common recommendations include lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, body weight correction, etc.