Everything you should know about polycystic ovary syndrome

Living with PCOS is not always easy. There are silenced realities that affect a large part of the female population and of which there is not always awareness.

Pain, menstrual irregularities, infertility, risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression… The symptoms associated with this metabolic condition are as broad as they are complex. You want to know more? We tell you.

Being a woman and living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Additionally, the Office on Women’s Health also notes that It affects 1 in 10 women and many adolescents already show these characteristics shortly after they start menstruating.

The good news is that there are increasingly better treatments to improve the quality of life of patients. Hormonal therapies, such as contraceptives, antiandrogens or dietary supplements to improve ovulation, are strategies that offer good results.

In addition, It is important to remember the need for adequate medical supervision. In fact, many women take years to receive a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome because they do not see a specialist. It must be taken into account that behind menstrual pain, irregularities and abnormal hair growth, there is a pathology that must be treated.

Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS: what is it?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine system that affects women in their reproductive years. It is characterized by ovarian dysfunction with the formation of small pockets of fluid in these organs, as reported by scientific studies.

The origin seems to be an alteration of androgensas he comments The New England Journal of Medicine. The ovaries produce both estrogen and progesterone in greater quantities (they are the so-called “female hormones”). Now, in PCOS, there is greater production of androgens (known as “male hormones”).»).

This is what causes the eggs, instead of being released, to encyst. Furthermore, androgens are responsible for characteristic symptoms of the syndrome.

These cysts are not malignant and do not generally require surgical intervention. (except in specific cases). However, they lead to new hormonal imbalances.

Anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome

One of the manifestations of this medical condition is anovulation. What does this term mean? That menstrual cycles occur without an egg available for fertilization. Therefore, the woman will experience the following.

Irregular menstrual cycles. Metrorrhagias, which are abnormal bleeding, outside the cycle time. Pain in the belly area. In this case, The discomfort comes from those follicles that do not release the egg.Amenorrhea or lack of menstruation, which can last for 3 months. Something like this leads to clear fertility problems.

Hyperandrogenism

Hyperandrogenism responds to an alteration of hormones, as already mentioned. Researchers from universities in Córdoba in collaboration with the Turku University of Finland have found that excess of these hormones in women leads to the following.

Hirsutism, which is the appearance of hair in places that are not usual for women. Excess acne and seborrhea. Alopecia.

Acanthosis nigricans

The acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition in which areas such as the groin, armpits or parts of the neck become darker. It is a disorder that is caused by hormonal alterations themselves, as well as insulin resistance, as specified in the magazine. B.M.J..

Diseases associated with polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause metabolic alterations that, in the long term, lead to other health problems.

About 50% of women with this pathology can develop insulin resistance. This syndrome is related to an increase in diabetes mellitus type 2.Likewise, also it is common to suffer from high blood pressureOn the other hand, there is a fact that cannot be ignored. This medical condition is associated with a greater number of depression diagnoses. The origin of this is in the self-esteem problems generated by hair, acne and physical alterations.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?

There are various tests to diagnose PCOS and rule out other causes. In addition to inquiring into the patient’s medical history, the specialist usually does the following.

Physical exam: blood pressure, body mass index and waist measurement. He or she will also examine the skin for excessive hair on the face, chest, or back, as well as the presence of acne.Pelvic exam: It is used to detect signs such as an enlarged clitoris.Pelvic ultrasound: It is used to examine the ovaries for cysts and to check the endometrium.Blood test: to know androgen levels and rule out other hormone-related health problems. In addition, cholesterol and blood glucose are measured.

According to the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH), PCOS is diagnosed if these characteristics are present.

Irregular menstruations.Presence of cysts in one or both ovaries.Signs of elevated androgen levelssuch as excessive hair growth in unusual places, acne and hair thinning.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

The medical approach to polycystic ovary is multidisciplinary. This is what a publication from the prestigious magazine states Nature. Likewise, each woman will receive an individualized approach that will focus on the degree of her hormonal alteration.

Gynecologists, endocrinologists, nutritionists and psychologists

Women need, without a doubt, a multidisciplinary approach. Different professionals will have to offer appropriate treatment for each area of ​​the disorder. In this line, The therapeutic approach integrates the following strategies.

Drugs: contraceptives to regulate ovulation, antiandrogens to treat hirsutism, medications for insulin resistance.Nutritionist: in order to improve nutrition in case of overweight. It will also provide guidelines for regulating blood pressure and avoiding increases in blood sugar.Psychologist: Psychological help is key to improving self-esteem, anxiety problems, body image, possible psychosexual alterations, as well as those associated with infertility.

Healthy habits when living with polycystic ovary syndrome

If the patient is overweight or obese, It is important that you make changes to your lifestyle that will help you lose weight.. This measure can be very effective in mitigating many of the health problems associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Ideally, the doctor and nutritionist design a program that helps you follow a diet and exercise routine accordingly.

Care and society: fundamental pieces when living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

To conclude, multidisciplinary care is vital in this type of disease. Early diagnosis will also help every woman with this condition enjoy a better quality of life.. In view of this, society should contribute to the knowledge and acceptance of this type of conditions.

You might be interested…