Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects some women during their reproductive years and causes hormonal imbalance along with metabolic issues. These imbalances cause the ovaries to become enlarged and contain, even when at rest, more follicles than usual and smaller in size than normal. These sacs contain follicular fluid and immature eggs, which, as a result of PCOS, do not release mature eggs regularly, leading to menstrual irregularities and fertility issues.

It is important to distinguish between women with polycystic ovaries, who have small cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries, and those suffering from PCOS who also present symptoms related to excess androgens. The former typically experience imbalances and discomfort but do not face problems conceiving, while the latter often struggle to become pregnant.

Symptoms

The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome can vary from one woman to another. Therefore, the condition is typically confirmed when more than one of these disorders is present:

• Irregular menstrual periods, ovulation disturbances: this may include menstruation lasting longer than usual or occurring in longer cycles of more than 35 days.
• Symptoms related to excess androgens: hirsutism (excessive hair growth in areas where women typically don’t have hair), oily skin, weight gain, hair issues, or severe acne.
• Enlarged ovaries with cysts around them.

Other symptoms:

• Darkened skin in folds (acanthosis nigricans).

Causes

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known, as it is multifactorial in origin, although some factors influencing its development have been identified:

• Insulin resistance: when the body’s cells do not respond to this hormone, blood glucose levels rise, which can stimulate the production of androgens.
• Chronic low-grade inflammation: the body generates androgens as a response to this swelling.

Risk Factors

The main risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Family history: it is believed that there may be a genetic cause predisposing to the condition.
• Overweight/Obesity.
• Diabetes: high insulin levels can promote the development of PCOS.

Complications

The main complication of PCOS is infertility or, at the very least, difficulty getting pregnant, along with the development of metabolic syndrome. Women with this condition may suffer from hypertension, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, or increased abdominal fat. In severe cases, the risk of cardiovascular disease or endometrial cancer increases.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent polycystic ovary syndrome.

Which doctor treats polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is treated by a gynecologist or an endocrinologist.