What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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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 Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. In cases of PCOS, the chances of natural conception are slim unless one regularly maintains a disciplined lifestyle, manages PCOS through exercise, weight loss, and a regulated life routine which normalizes hormone levels, thus enabling normal ovulation and the possibility of natural conception. Otherwise, a distinctive feature of PCOS is anovulation, and to achieve conception, hormone levels must be normalized. Once hormone levels are normalized, some individuals may ovulate on their own, while others may need medication to stimulate ovulation. Therefore, the chances of natural conception with PCOS are very low.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction and abnormalities in glucose metabolism, with persistent anovulation, excess androgens, and insulin resistance as its main features. Therefore, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome often suffer from infertility. The use of medication to reduce androgens, stimulate ovarian ovulation, control insulin resistance, combined with weight loss, can lead to the resumption of ovulation in the ovaries, thus allowing natural conception in polycystic ovary syndrome.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

When suspecting polycystic ovary syndrome in females, it is essential to first inquire about the woman's menstrual history and menstrual cycle. A detailed observation of the woman's body type should be made, as some women may appear somewhat overweight and have increased body hair, such as small mustaches around the lips, and some may even have acne on their faces. In addition, a thorough physical examination should be conducted, including a gynecological examination, where some women may find an increased volume in both ovaries. Hormonal tests can also be conducted, showing elevated levels of androgens, or an imbalance in the levels ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone. Some women may exhibit insulin resistance, with abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid levels. Ultrasound examination can show many small follicles in both ovaries on the same plane, without a dominant follicle, and the number of small follicles generally exceeds 12.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if I don't get my period due to polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disease and a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. The main symptom is irregular menstruation, which can manifest as infrequent menstrual periods or absence of menstruation. If menstruation does not occur for more than two months, it is essential to take oral progestogens, such as progesterone or dydrogesterone, for 12 days. After stopping the medication, menstruation should resume. This is mainly to protect the endometrium, as not menstruating for an extended period prevents it from shedding. Under the influence of unopposed estrogen, there might be excessive proliferation, leading to precancerous changes in the endometrial lining and potentially developing into endometrial cancer over time. Therefore, it is crucial to have a menstrual period at least every two months to protect the endometrium. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)