What is meant by polycystic ovarian syndrome? How can this syndrome negatively affect women''s health? What are its causes and symptoms? Is there a treatment available for it?

Polycystic ovary syndrome - PCOS is a condition that may affect women, so what should you know about it? Here are the details:

What is meant by polycystic ovarian syndrome?

It is a common condition that may arise as a result of certain hormonal disorders in a woman’s body, the majority of which have unknown causes.

This syndrome can lead to many disorders, such as: menstrual problems, excessive body hair growth, and this syndrome is one of the main causes of infertility among women around the world. 

When infected with this condition, the body begins to produce large amounts of some male hormones, and small fluid-filled cysts begin to appear in the ovaries. These combined changes may lead to the emergence of symptoms characteristic of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Although there is no definitive treatment for this syndrome, there are treatments available that will help alleviate the severity of the condition and keep its symptoms under control. If women do not undergo appropriate treatment, polycystic ovarian syndrome may lead to many health complications.

Although the name of this syndrome is associated with cysts, it may not necessarily lead to cysts in the ovaries always, and the presence of cysts in the ovaries does not necessarily mean the said syndrome, so it must be noted.

Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome

Monthly, one of the ovaries releases a new, mature egg ready for fertilization to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilized, then the uterus gets rid of it in what is called the menstrual cycle. Sometimes an imbalance may arise in the levels of some body hormones, such as: high levels of male hormones, and low levels of necessary hormones. to complete the ovulation process, and this defect may negatively affect ovulation.

As the reproductive system becomes unable to complete the ovulation process in a normal way, which may lead to the formation of small cysts in the ovary. With the passage of time, the hormonal disorders that occur in the affected woman begin to stimulate the occurrence of many physical changes, so that the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome appear.

Factors that increase the risk of developing polycystic syndrome

Until now, researchers have not been able to determine the exact causes of the hormonal imbalance that triggers this syndrome, but it is believed that certain factors may increase the chances of its occurrence, such as:

1. Genes and heredity

If a woman comes from a family whose women had previously had this syndrome or diabetes, she may be more likely to develop this syndrome than others.

2. High levels of male hormones

It is believed that an increase in the levels of male hormones (androgens) may negatively affect the ability of the ovaries to release their eggs, which may stimulate the formation of cysts in the ovaries, in addition to stimulating the emergence of many other symptoms resulting from the high levels of masculinity in a woman''s body.

3. Infection

Chronic, mild infections may play a role in triggering PCOS.

Infections arise as a result of white blood cells producing substances aimed at resisting some types of infections. However, in certain cases, these infections may affect the ovaries, stimulating them to release increased amounts of male hormones, which may lead to the emergence of polycystic ovary syndrome.

4. Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is a condition that arises from the inability of the body''s cells to respond efficiently to the hormone insulin, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.

This deficiency may cause the body to produce excess amounts of insulin, and high insulin may in turn stimulate the production of excess amounts of male hormones.

The chances of developing insulin resistance are higher in women who are obese.

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome

In addition to the appearance of cysts in the ovaries, here is a list of the most common expected symptoms:

Irregular menstruation and abnormal menstrual bleeding.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol.

Skin problems, such as acne and dark spots.

Scalp problems, such as dandruff and baldness.

Psychological and mood disorders, such as: stress, depression, and anxiety.

Ease of gaining weight, or difficulty losing excess weight.

Low levels of sexual desire.

hirsutism

pelvic pain

general fatigue

swollen abdomen

Infertility, or low levels of fertility.

Excess male hormones.

Complications of polycystic ovary syndrome

This syndrome may make women vulnerable to many health complications and diseases, such as:

Type 2 diabetes.

heart disease.

Sleep apnea.

Endometrial cancer.

Diagnosis of polycystic ovaries

These are some of the procedures your doctor may take to diagnose the condition

Subjecting the patient to a physical examination, and asking her about symptoms.

Subjecting the patient to blood tests aimed at investigating the levels of the following: testosterone, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Ultrasound of the ovaries to check for any cysts in the ovaries.

There is no test dedicated to diagnosing this condition, but if at least two of the following three features meet in a woman’s body, a woman may be diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome: irregular menstruation, high levels of male hormones, and the appearance of cysts in the ovaries.

Treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome

This syndrome cannot be cured, but here are some treatment options available

1. Medical procedures

Like the following

Taking certain medications, such as: birth control pills to regulate the menstrual cycle, medications to reduce hirsutism, and diabetes medications if the woman has diabetes.

Undergoing fertility treatments to increase the chances of pregnancy, such as: the in vitro fertilization process.

Different ways to remove body hair, such as: laser hair removal, and hormonal treatments.

Undergoing certain surgeries, such as: hysterectomy and oophorectomy.

2. Home procedures

Certain lifestyle changes can help treat this syndrome

Follow a healthy diet.

Avoid unhealthy practices, such as: smoking.

Maintain a healthy body weight.

Playing sports.