Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome  include the following:

• Irregular menstrual cycle (no periods, menstrual disorders (no periods, fewer than nine periods a year), etc.)
  infertility
• Excessive body hair
• Acne
• Weight gain
• Oily skin
• Thickened, dark patches of skin

Many women don't realize that oily skin, hair growth or acne can be a precursor to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) until they have difficulty getting pregnant, experience menstrual irregularities or stop menstruating, and are then diagnosed with PCOS.
 

The cause of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is still unknown, but it is related to a hormonal imbalance to some extent. Normally, the ovaries produce the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone and the male hormone androgen. When too much androgen is produced, it can prevent ovulation during menstruation. Follicles that are not ovulated can form multiple sacs in the ovaries, causing menstrual disorders and a variety of problems. In addition, family history and insulin resistance also affect the endocrine system, which is one of the causes of polycystic ovaries.

The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history and family history, and conduct a detailed diagnostic questionnaire for related symptoms, followed by a blood test to check the patient's hormone levels.

Ultrasound is one of the main diagnostic methods for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which can detect the size of the ovaries and the number of follicles.
 

There is no complete cure for polycystic ovarian disease, but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms and reduce the risk of other health problems:

• Medication:
• Oral contraceptives to regulate menstrual disorders
• Insulin sensitisers
• Ovulation stimulants to treat infertility caused by polycystic ovary disease.
• Lifestyle modification:
  • A healthy diet, increased exercise and weight loss can help improve symptoms.
• Surgery:
  • If medication fails, surgery can be used to treat infertility caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by using heat or lasers to destroy the androgen-producing tissues in the ovaries.

A combination of treatments is most effective when tailored to the individual, combining medication and lifestyle modifications to improve symptoms and prevent complications.

People with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may not be aware of their condition, but it can increase the risk of the following diseases:

• Infertility
• Weight gain
• Metabolic syndrome and diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Sleep apnoea
• Endometrial Cancer
   

People with risk factors, including those with the diseases mentioned above, are advised to undergo the following tests to assess the likelihood of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the risk of related complications:

• Ultrasound examination of the ovaries
• Regular monitoring of blood glucose and lipid levels
• If in doubt, consult a gynaecologist or reproductive medicine specialist for testing and further management and treatment.

1. Teede, H. J., Misso, M. L., Costello, M. F., Dokras, A., Laven, J., Moran, L., ... & Joham, A. (2018). Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and sterility, 110(3), 364-379.