Polycystic ovaries: causes, symptoms and treatment

Who suffers from polycystic ovaries suffers a very clear syndrome. It is a series of symptomatic characteristics that define a condition suffered by millions of women around the world.

Polycystic ovaries occurs in women of reproductive age, and this article mainly talks about its causes, symptoms and treatment. If diagnosed early, you can lead a totally normal life.

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What are polycystic ovaries?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder. It occurs mainly in women between 18 and 44 years old. Even so, it can be detected at an earlier age, even before presenting the first period.

During the first half of the cycle, the ovary develops several follicles. These grow and mature producing estrogen, and days before ovulation one of these follicles becomes the dominant ovum. It is the one that grows the most while waiting to be fertilized.

The rest of the follicles begin to stop their growth and little by little they are reabsorbed along with the ovum in case of not having been fertilized.

However, the woman has polycystic ovary syndrome is that none of these follicles manages to become an ovum and neither can they be reabsorbed until they disappear.

In the absence of a dominant follicle that becomes an ovum, the cycle becomes irregular, as well as the production of estrogen and progesterone. It is this irregularity that largely causes PCOS.

It is convenient to detect and treat early before it causes major alterations in the endocrine system. As it is a syndrome, to detect it it is convenient to observe if its symptoms appear.

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Causes

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not known exactly. However, there are several factors that predispose a woman's body to suffer from it. They cannot be considered direct causes, but there is scientific evidence of their impact.

1. Hereditary factor

It has been proven that there is a hereditary factor that can be decisive. The appearance of polycystic ovary syndrome is linked to certain genetic factors hereditary, and it is that it coincides that the person who suffers it has relatives in direct line who also present.

Usually all the women in a family (mother, grandmother, sister) have the syndrome, although sometimes the symptoms can be less intense. There are people who never have major discomfort or need treatment.

2. Insulin excess

Insulin is directly related to the development of this disorder. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and allows cells to use sugar that provides energy to the body. But if these cells become resistant to insulin, the blood sugar rises.

When blood sugar rises above normal levels, androgen production increases, which is directly related to alterations in the ovulation process.

3. Androgen excess

Producing androgen in excess seems to be one of the common causes. There are women who during the menstrual cycle produce androgen in higher amounts than the rest of women, and this abnormal production has consequences in the body.

If the ovaries produce androgen in the ovaries, this leads to acne and hirsutism. Skin problems and hair growth in androgen-dependent areas such as beards, sideburns, breast aurae or back are something that many women feel uncomfortable with.

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Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that indicate that a woman suffers from polycystic ovary syndrome. Two or more symptoms require medical supervision and further studies to determine that it is indeed this disorder.

It is common to confuse symptoms with some other condition, and that is why it is important to see a doctor. The gynecologist or endocrinologist are the appropriate specialists for this.

1. Irregular menstrual periods

Irregular menstrual periods are the most common symptom. Although it must be accompanied by other symptoms to be considered, it may be the clearest sign that a problem exists.

If menstrual periods are widely spaced, intensely painful, or very long, they are considered irregular. You have to look at the causes and consequences of this. Although they are not 28-day cycles, if they occur regularly, they are regular.

2. Hirsutism

Presenting hirsutism could be a clear sign of the presence of this disorder. Hirsutism is the appearance and excessive growth of hair where it usually does not grow in women, for example the face, chest or back.

In this case, hair growth is habitual and repeated, in addition to being constant and they are in many places. When one appears or they are isolated, it is not considered hirsutism.

3. Over weight

Being overweight can also be a symptom of polycystic ovaries.. However the relationship is like a vicious circle, entering feedback.

It is necessary to observe carefully if the habits of feeding and the physical activity are the suitable ones. If there is still a gain in body fat, it could be due to the development of the disorder in question.

4. Acne or oily skin

Acne after puberty could be an indication of the syndrome. Although the appearance of acne and oily skin is common during adolescence due to hormonal imbalances, it sometimes occurs with a high incidence in women over 25 years of age.

Persistent or aggressive acne after puberty and oily skin are possible indicators. It could be because they are the result of the hormonal imbalance that polycystic ovary syndrome causes.

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Treatment

Treatment for this disorder depends on the context of each woman. Once the doctor has determined that it is PCOS, treatment depends on the type of discomfort or which ones cause the most discomfort.

1. Lose weight

Losing weight has a great benefit to combat this disorder. It is one of the first steps that the doctor indicates. In addition to helping the body with probable insulin resistance, prescription drugs will have a greater effect.

With a balanced diet and adequate physical activation it is enough to reach the goal. At least a 5% decrease in body weight is required to begin to see results and improvements in discomfort caused by polycystic ovary syndrome.

2. Medicines

There are a wide range of medications that can help prevent polycystic ovaries.. Depending on the ailment you want to attack, your doctor may recommend different types of birth control pills, progesterone therapy, or anti-estrogen medications.

To aid in ovulation, your doctor may prescribe metformin or hormonal medications. To remove hair growth, birth control pills or medications that block the effects of androgens on the skin.

3. Other considerations

Sometimes this disorder causes complications to achieve a pregnancy, and in severe cases where it was never treated it can cause infertility. Depending on the level of this situation, you can start with a specific protocol for infertility.

Keep in mind that there is no single and universal treatment to treat polycystic ovaries. Only the doctor can determine which protocol to follow and performs the appropriate follow-up.

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Bibliographic references

• Azziz, R., Woods, K.S., Reyna, R., Key, T. J., Knochenhauer, E.S. and Yildiz, B.O. (2004). The Prevalence and Features of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in an Unselected Population. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 89 (6): 2745-2749.

• Legro, R.S. and Strauss, J.F. (2002). Molecular progress in infertility: polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility, 78 (3), 569-576.

• McCartney, C.R. and Marshall, J.C. (2016). Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, N Engl J Med., 375 (1), 54-64.