Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Symptoms And Treatment
In general, the medical community uses the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” to refer to a change in the female reproductive system. It often affects women who are still within their reproductive age.
Those affected by polycystic ovary syndrome have fibrous structures in the ovaries, and these cause hormonal changes. Thus, the levels of androgens (Y-chromosome hormone), such as testosterone and androsterone, are usually high.
In addition, this hormonal imbalance causes a number of symptoms which, if not treated properly, can lead to more serious complications over time.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome are:
- Changes in the menstrual cycle. These changes can affect intervals, duration or intensity.
- Infertility or problems getting pregnant.
- Hirsutism or an increase in facial hair. It can appear in body regions that were hairless before.
- Development of pimples that vary in severity.
- Hair loss with all the characteristics of male pattern baldness.
In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome is often present in women who are overweight. These factors also contribute to the worsening of symptoms and new complications such as:
- Changes during pregnancy. This is usually associated with gestational diabetes and hypertension.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Uterine bleeding.
- Changes in a woman’s behavior.
- Low likelihood of developing other diseases such as uterine cancer or metabolic syndrome.
Researchers have not yet identified the exact trigger of this syndrome. However, there are several factors associated with its development.
In any case, there are several changes in the normal function of the ovaries. For example , this imbalance causes the ovaries to develop small accumulations of fluid called follicles, and it may fail to release mature eggs regularly during the menstrual cycle.
Treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome
Today , medical professionals have many choices when it comes to choosing treatment. Therefore, they choose the most appropriate method according to the specific characteristics of a person and the effect of the syndrome in them.
This is why it is important that a woman who is diagnosed with polycystic ovaries informs the gynecologist about the medication she is taking. In addition, she should also inform them about her lifestyle, allergies and other health problems she has to deal with or has had in the past.
Treatment
These are some of the treatment guidelines most commonly used today:
- Controlled weight reduction. The advice is to follow a balanced diet and maintain a daily physical routine.
- Administration of medications. This is for the treatment of symptoms of endocrine disorders related to the polycystic ovary syndrome. Overall, these are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating polycystic ovaries:
- Birth control pills. These are for regulating hormone levels due to the content of estrogen and progesterone. Not only that, but they can also regulate menstruation and bleeding in the uterus. In addition, they reduce the chances of getting other diseases such as uterine cancer.
- Chemical compounds with progesterone. These, just like contraceptives, help regulate the menstrual cycle and are a form of prevention against uterine cancer.
- Other treatments to deal with excessive hair growth or hirsutism.
- Electrolysis. This is a technique to destroy the follicles of the ovaries. To do this, a needle sends a small electric charge to the affected area. This type of treatment requires a few hours to complete.
We hope this article was helpful. Maybe it even answered some of your questions and resolved any doubts you may have. Do not hesitate to contact your gynecologist for any other questions you may still have about the subject.
