How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Clinically, it generally presents with symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. If these symptoms appear, it is essential to visit a hospital for an ultrasound examination. The diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be made if more than 12 follicles are observed on a single sectional view of the ovaries during the ultrasound. In such cases, it is also necessary to have a blood test at the hospital to analyze six key sex hormones, including the ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone, and the levels of testosterone. If the blood test shows high levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can also be considered. A diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can generally be confirmed through a combination of ultrasound and sex hormone tests, followed by targeted treatment based on the test results.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 13sec home-news-image

Can polycystic ovary syndrome get pregnant?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) suffer from endocrine disorders, which prevent follicles from developing and maturing, leading to anovulation or rare ovulation, and consequently, amenorrhea and infertility. Although it is much more difficult for patients with PCOS to become pregnant compared to the average person, there is still a great hope for natural conception through a series of targeted treatments. For patients with reproductive needs, ovulation induction treatment can be chosen based on improved lifestyle habits. Under the guidance of a doctor, medications can be used to adjust menstrual cycles and stimulate ovulation. Then, by having intercourse around the time of ovulation, the chances of pregnancy can be increased. However, it is important to emphasize that all these should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor. The female endocrine system is like a precise instrument, and improper use of medication on one's own can potentially lead to endocrine disorders and result in infertility.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder, characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, scanty or irregular menstrual bleeding, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. PCOS is considered a difficult-to-treat gynecological disease, with a high likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo relevant medical examinations at a hospital. The diagnosis of PCOS generally involves a combination of ultrasound imaging and a six-item hormone test, which can confirm whether one has the condition. If diagnosed with PCOS, active treatment is necessary, as it is one of the more challenging gynecological endocrine disorders to manage.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome conceive naturally?

In cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), some women are able to conceive naturally. Clinically, patients with PCOS mainly exhibit symptoms such as obesity, hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, and infertility. This is due to ovulatory dysfunction common in PCOS, which affects the ability to conceive naturally. However, some women may occasionally release a normal ovum, allowing for the possibility of natural conception under such conditions, though the likelihood of this occurring is relatively low. Generally, treatment is needed to facilitate the normal release of follicles, after which natural conception may be possible.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy Rate

For women who plan to conceive, their biggest concern is whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will affect their normal fertility. Normally, reproductive-aged women develop a group of 3-11 follicles each month, which after recruitment and selection, typically only one follicle fully matures and ovulates, while the other follicles degenerate after reaching a certain stage of development. However, in patients with PCOS, the ovaries contain many small and immature follicles, often more than 12. The amount of follicle-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland is not sufficient to support the development of even one follicle, leading to anovulation and infertility. For patients with PCOS who want to conceive, the greatest risk is infertility. Patients can control their weight and regulate their menstrual cycles by adjusting their lifestyle, or by using medication to induce ovulation. Generally, more than 95% of patients can successfully induce ovulation and achieve pregnancy through medication. However, the success rate of achieving pregnancy through induced ovulation after 6 attempts is only 75% to 80%. Even for those who ovulate naturally, the success rate of conception within a year is only 82%. Therefore, it is essential to be patient, as hurried efforts will not yield immediate results in treatment.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to regulate polycystic ovary syndrome?

Firstly, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should appropriately control their diet and engage in physical exercise to reduce or control their weight and reduce their waistline. Secondly, develop good eating habits with balanced nutrition, paying attention to the control of calories and fats. Those who are obese should control their diet appropriately, eat less fatty and rich foods, and avoid overeating. Consume more vegetables, fruits, and high-quality protein. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Thirdly, women who are trying to lose weight should not blindly use weight loss drugs and should avoid excessive dieting and rapid weight loss in a short period. Fourthly, exercise regularly, such as walking, jogging, playing sports, swimming, martial arts, practicing Wuxinqi (Five-Animal Exercises), and various forms of dance. However, avoid intense exercises and maintain a balance between work and rest. Fifth, maintain emotional stability and a positive mindset. Avoid extreme anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety. Sixth, obese women with menstrual irregularities should take note: if the menstrual cycle is significantly prolonged, or if it occurs every few months or not at all, and if acne develops on the face, they should seek medical attention promptly. Seventh, reduce stress and maintain a good psychological state. Build confidence in treatment and be patient with the treatment process. Young female patients who are not treated have a very high probability of developing Type 2 diabetes in middle and old age, which can lead to infertility. Therefore, once this disease appears, behavior modification, dietary restriction, and exercise therapy should be combined, and, under the guidance of a professional doctor, coordinated with medication therapy. Eighth, doctors, family members, and spouses should actively encourage and support the patient in losing weight, providing psychological understanding and assistance.