5 essential questions and 5 useful answers about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
September is dedicated to giving information and raising awareness about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (POS), a condition that affects a significant percentage of the female population. The accurate prevalence of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) may vary depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used, but it is estimated to affect approximately 5% to 18% of women of reproductive age. This makes PCOS one of the most common hormonal disorders in women and therefore awareness, accurate information and early diagnosis are considered necessary. In this article, you may find the answers to the 5 key questions that shed ‘light’ on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age and the most common cause of increased blood levels of androgens (hyperandrogenemia) and ovulatory disorders. PCOS is primarily considered a reproductive disorder, but the long-term metabolic complications are often overlooked. However, recent studies have shown that it is associated with significant health impact. Although the name of the syndrome refers to cysts in the ovaries, there are actually small ‘cysts’, wrongly so called, which are actually follicles containing the oocytes, both of which, due to poor hormonal stimuli in the ovary, inhibit their development and maturation. The trapped eggs are visible on ultrasound and thus give the typical appearance in polycystic ovaries. It is important to stress that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome should not be confused with polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries are a finding of ultrasound exam during routine gynaecological examination and it is estimated that 20% of women of reproductive age have polycystic ovaries, but less than half of them are aware of it.
What are the causes of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
The symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are caused by disturbances in some or all of the hormones that affect the menstrual cycle. These disturbances may include: values of LH to FSH , AMH, androgens and estrogen above normal limits and progesterone below normal limits. The main androgen is testosterone, which is produced by all women in the ovaries, and is converted to estrogen which is the main female hormone. Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome may produce higher than normal levels of testosterone and this can bring on the symptoms of the syndrome. However another hormone that is considered important is insulin, which is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood glucose levels. Many women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome are diagnosed with insulin resistance, meaning that the body’s tissues resist its effect and as a result the body has to produce more. It seems that these high levels of insulin affect the ovaries, causing hormone imbalances.
It is not known what causes these hormonal imbalances, as many different causes are involved and this may explain why symptoms may vary from woman to woman. Heredity is a key factor as it has been observed that many women with polycystic ovaries have a mother or sister with the same syndrome. However, the onset of the syndrome is influenced by a number of other factors such as diet, lifestyle and environmental exposures.
What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
The symptoms of PCOS vary from woman to woman. Some women experience may experience few and mild symptoms and others experience more and intense symptoms. They usually appear during adulthood, however, in many women they do not appear until their mid-twenties.
The main and most common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstruation or complete absence of menstruation, irregular or non-existent ovulation, reduced fertility (difficulty conceiving and miscarriages), unwanted heavy hair growth on the body or face (hirsutism), thin hair or hair loss (alopecia), oily skin, acne, weight issues (unintentional weight gain and difficulty in losing it), depression and severe mood swings.
How can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome be diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PCOS is made by taking a medical history, clinical examination with ultrasound and laboratory analysis of blood to determine the values of hormonal and biochemical markers. Blood pressure and body weight are also checked.
Can Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome be cured?
There is no cure for PCOS, but there are treatment approaches, even without medication, to control and reduce symptoms that can significantly improve women’s quality of life, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, following a careful diet, taking food supplements and exercising. In any case, you should consult your personal physician to choose together the solutions that meet your unique needs.
*This information is intended for general consumption and information of the public and under no circumstances can replace the advice of a doctor or other competent health care professional.