What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder frequently seen in women of reproductive age. It causes the formation of many small cysts (follicles) in the ovaries and hormonal imbalances. PCOS can affect the quality of life with many symptoms, from menstrual irregularities to infertility, from hair problems to weight gain. This syndrome can be controlled, especially with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

 

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that disrupts ovarian functions in women. PCOS causes the development of many small, fluid-filled cysts (follicles) in the ovaries. These cysts interfere with ovulation and lead to hormone imbalances. High androgen (male hormone) levels and insulin resistance are particularly common in women with PCOS.

The most common features of PCOS include menstrual irregularities, excessive hair (hirsutism), acne and infertility. Women with PCOS are also more likely to develop insulin resistance, which can increase their risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS can manifest itself differently in different women. Symptoms usually begin during puberty and may become more pronounced as we age. Here are the most common symptoms of PCOS:

PCOS Symptoms:

• Menstrual Irregularities: Frequent menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea) or no menstrual periods (amenorrhea) are common symptoms.
• Weight Gain: Women with PCOS are more prone to gaining weight, especially in the abdominal area.
• Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism): Excessive hair growth in areas such as the face, chest, and back occurs due to high androgen levels.
• Acne and Skin Problems: High androgen levels can cause oily skin and acne.
• Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant may occur due to ovulation problems.
• Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia): Thinning hair may be seen on the top of the head.

These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of PCOS and the person's hormone levels.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance also play an important role in the development of PCOS.

Possible Causes of PCOS:

• Genetic Factors: Women with a family history of PCOS are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
• Hormonal Imbalances: High levels of androgen production can inhibit ovulation. Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels can also lead to PCOS.
• Insulin Resistance: When the body becomes resistant to insulin, this leads to blood sugar imbalances and weight gain. Insulin resistance occurs in 70% of women with PCOS.

These factors prevent follicles in the ovaries from maturing, making it difficult to ovulate and causing irregular periods.

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

PCOS is usually diagnosed based on symptoms. Your doctor will perform a series of tests, taking into account symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. Various tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Methods Used in PCOS Diagnosis:

• Ultrasound: Used to confirm the presence of numerous small cysts (polycystic appearance) in the ovaries.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests are performed to measure levels of androgen hormones (testosterone, DHEA-S) and to assess insulin resistance.
• Menstrual History: The doctor may evaluate menstrual regularity, frequency, and ovulation cycles.

A combination of these tests is usually required to diagnose PCOS.

The Effect of PCOS on the Menstrual Cycle

PCOS causes menstrual irregularities because it makes ovulation difficult. When ovulation does not occur, the uterine lining does not shed properly, causing deviations in the menstrual cycle.

PCOS Effects on the Menstrual Cycle:

• Oligomenorrhea: Menstrual cycle lasting longer than 35 days. In this case, menstrual bleeding becomes infrequent.
• Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation for a long time.
• Anovulation: Ovulation may be irregular or may not occur at all in women with PCOS. This can lead to infertility problems.

Women with PCOS may need birth control pills or other hormonal treatments to regulate their menstrual cycle.

PCOS and Infertility

PCOS can make it difficult to get pregnant because it causes ovulation problems. Many women with PCOS experience irregular or no ovulation. This reduces the chance of pregnancy.

Infertility Treatments:

• Ovulation Induction: Ovulation can be stimulated with medications such as clomiphene citrate or letrozole.
• Metformin: It stimulates ovulation by reducing insulin resistance.
• Ovulation Tracking: Doctors can increase the chance of pregnancy by monitoring ovulation periods.

There are successful treatment methods for women with PCOS who have infertility problems.

PCOS and Insulin Resistance

Around 70% of women with PCOS face insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that the body does not respond to insulin, which leads to the inability to properly regulate blood sugar. This promotes weight gain and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

PCOS and Insulin Resistance:

• Weight Gain: Insulin resistance can increase the body's fat storage capacity, causing weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
• Metformin Treatment: Metformin both promotes weight loss and helps regulate the menstrual cycle by increasing insulin sensitivity.

If insulin resistance is not treated, it can lead to serious metabolic problems in the long term.

PCOS and Skin Problems

Since women with PCOS usually have high androgen levels, they may face skin problems. Acne, oily skin and skin discoloration are common dermatological symptoms of PCOS.

Skin Problems:

• Acne: High androgen levels, which cause the oil glands to overwork, especially on the face, back and chest, lead to acne.
• Oily Skin: Hormonal imbalances can increase skin oiliness.

These skin problems can usually be controlled with birth control pills or anti-androgen medications.

PCOS and Hirsutism

Excessive hair growth, called hirsutism, is common in women with PCOS due to high androgen levels. Dense hair growth can be seen in areas such as the face, chest, back and abdomen.

Hair Growth Treatment Methods:

• Birth Control Pills: It can reduce androgen levels and alleviate the hair growth problem.
• Anti-Androgen Drugs: Drugs such as spironolactone prevent hair growth by reducing androgen effects.
• Laser Epilation: It can be used as a permanent solution to reduce hirsutism.

The hair growth problem can be significantly controlled with these methods.

PCOS Treatment Methods

PCOS treatment varies depending on symptoms and a person's health goals. The general goal is to regulate menstruation, stimulate ovulation, and restore hormonal balance.

Treatment Options for PCOS:

• Birth Control Pills: Regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce acne and excessive hair growth.
• Metformin: Treats insulin resistance and promotes ovulation.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can alleviate PCOS symptoms.
• Anti-Androgen Medications: Androgen-related symptoms such as hirsutism and acne
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The treatment plan is personalized according to the severity of PCOS symptoms and lifestyle of the individual.

PCOS and Weight Management

Women with PCOS may have difficulty losing weight. However, weight loss plays a major role in relieving PCOS symptoms. Insulin resistance and menstrual irregularities in particular are significantly reduced by weight loss.can also improve.

Weight Loss Strategies:

• Low Glycemic Index Diet: Foods that regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance should be preferred.
• Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended.
• Balanced Nutrition: A balanced diet containing healthy fats, proteins and fiber should be followed.

Weight control is an effective strategy in the treatment of PCOS and reduces health risks in the long term.

Long-Term Health Risks of PCOS

Untreated PCOS can lead to various health problems in the long term. Women with PCOS are at higher risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases in particular.

Possible Long-Term Complications of PCOS:

• Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin resistance increases the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with PCOS.
• Uterine Cancer: Long-term absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) may increase the risk of uterine cancer.
• Heart Disease: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk increase.

These long-term risks can be minimized with regular follow-up and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does PCOS prevent pregnancy?

PCOS can cause ovulation problems, making it difficult to get pregnant, but proper treatment can increase the chance of pregnancy.

2. How is PCOS treated?

PCOS can be treated with birth control pills, insulin resistance medications, weight loss, and lifestyle changes.

3. Does PCOS go away completely?

PCOS is a chronic condition, but symptoms can be controlled and quality of life can be improved with treatment.

4. What diets should women with PCOS follow?

A balanced diet with a low glycemic index, rich in fiber, and healthy fats is recommended.

5. What happens if PCOS is not diagnosed early?

Untreated PCOS can lead to serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and uterine cancer.

6. Why do women with PCOS have difficulty losing weight?

Women with PCOS may have difficulty losing weight due to insulin resistance. Their metabolic rate may slow down, making the body more prone to storing fat.