Content
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a common condition that can occur in women of all ages, although it is more common in early adolescence. This condition is characterized by changes in the levels of hormones circulating in the blood, which ends up favoring the formation of several cysts in the ovary, leading to the appearance of symptoms such as irregular menstruation and difficulty in getting pregnant, for example.
In addition, it is possible that other symptoms related to increased levels of hormones, especially testosterone, such as acne and the appearance of hair on the face and body, may appear.
The diagnosis is made by the gynecologist based on the analysis of the symptoms presented by the woman and the result of the requested exams, and it is then possible to start the appropriate treatment, which is done with drugs that aim to relieve the symptoms and regulate hormone levels.
Polycystic ovary symptoms
The signs and symptoms of polycystic ovary can vary between women and with hormonal changes, however, in general, the symptoms of polycystic ovary are:
- Irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation;
- Hair loss;
- Difficulty getting pregnant;
- Appearance of hair on the face and body;
- Increased skin oiliness;
- Greater chance of developing acne;
- Weight gain unintentionally;
- Delayed breast development.
If the woman identifies the appearance of at least two of the symptoms, it is important to consult the gynecologist for an evaluation and tests can be requested to investigate the possibility of ovarian cysts. See how the diagnosis of PCOS is made.
PCOS does not have a well-defined cause, however it is believed that it can be favored by the interaction of several factors, such as genetics, metabolism, insulin resistance, inadequate nutrition and lack of physical activity. In addition, overweight and pre-diabetes can also favor PCOS, as these situations lead to hormonal changes, including increased levels of testosterone, which is the main hormone related to the appearance of cysts.
How treatment should be
Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome should be done according to the doctor's recommendation, and remedies may be indicated to relieve symptoms, such as the contraceptive pill or Flutamide, or the use of remedies to promote pregnancy, such as Clomiphene or Metmorphine, may be recommended. . In the most severe cases, when there is a large number of cysts, increasing the size of the ovary, surgery to remove the cysts or ovary may be recommended.
In addition, it is important that women follow an adequate diet, that is, that they do not favor hormonal changes and that promote their health and well-being. Check out the following video for some feeding tips for polycystic ovaries:
Common Questions
The following are the most common questions related to polycystic ovary syndrome:
1. Who has a polycystic ovary always has irregular menstruation?
No. Although irregular menstruation is one of the main symptoms of this disease, more than half of women who have this problem do not have any symptoms, the change in the ovaries being discovered only during the routine consultation with the gynecologist.
2. Why do more hair appear on the body and menstruation is irregular?
The appearance of symptoms such as hair on the face and irregular menstruation are mainly caused by the increase in testosterone, a hormone that must be present in the woman's body, but only in small amounts.
3. Is it possible to get pregnant even with polycystic ovaries?
Yes, because in general women with this problem have a good response to drugs that induce ovulation, such as Clomiphene. In addition, although menstruation is irregular, in some months the woman can ovulate spontaneously, managing to become pregnant without medical help.
However, it is advisable to see a doctor to increase the chances of pregnancy, especially after 1 year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Understand when to seek help getting pregnant.
4. Does having polycystic ovaries affect pregnancy?
Yes, several studies have shown that women who have polycystic ovaries usually have a harder time getting pregnant.
Complications occur mainly in women who are overweight, it is important to have adequate prenatal care, exercise and have a healthy diet to reduce the risk of complications.
5. Can polycystic ovaries also cause more health problems?
Yes, because women with this problem are more likely to develop serious diseases such as diabetes, heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, endometrial cancer, which is the inner wall of the uterus, anxiety, depression and sleep apnea, which is when the breathing for a few moments while sleeping.
To reduce the risk of these complications, it is important to have a healthy life, practicing physical activity regularly, having a healthy diet, stopping smoking and consuming alcohol in excess, in addition to making the appropriate treatment with the gynecologist.
6. Do the symptoms continue even after menopause?
Yes, because in menopause there is a decrease in female hromones and, therefore, the woman starts to suffer even more with the weakening and hair loss, and the growth of hair in other parts of the body, such as face and chest. In addition, the risk of problems such as heart attack, stroke and diabetes also increases after menopause.