Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is what matter?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on September 05, 2024

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Its clinical manifestations include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. A key characteristic of the disease is anovulation which affects fertility. Therefore, the general diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected PCOS begins with an ultrasound at a hospital. If the ultrasound suggests PCOS, it is necessary to have a blood test for sex hormone levels on an empty stomach during the 2nd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis is generally determined through a combination of sex hormone tests and ultrasound examinations, which can confirm whether one has PCOS. The causes of PCOS are generally attributed to staying up late, dieting, high stress, irregular lifestyle, indiscriminate use of contraceptives and diet pills, obesity, and patients with other endocrine disorders. Since PCOS affects fertility and is difficult to treat, patients diagnosed with this condition must seek treatment in hospital endocrinology departments or specialized gynecology departments.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive dysfunction accompanied by abnormal glucose metabolism, constituting an endocrine disorder syndrome primarily characterized by persistent anovulation, high androgen levels, and insulin resistance. To address the three main features of PCOS, treatment options include controlling diet and increasing physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce levels of insulin and testosterone, thereby restoring ovulation and fertility functions. Oral contraceptives, such as Diane-35, can be taken. Oral administration of Diane-35 acts on the endometrium to inhibit excessive proliferation and regulate the menstrual cycle. To reduce androgen levels, progestogens like cyproterone can be used to counteract high androgen levels. If there is high blood sugar, it is also necessary to improve insulin resistance, which can be treated with medications like metformin. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

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Written by He Bing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

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Written by He Bing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 36sec

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Can polycystic ovary syndrome recur?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome can manage symptoms effectively if diagnosed early, treated promptly, and receive active treatment for complications. However, if patients neglect daily care afterward, the disease is very likely to recur. Therefore, patients need to continue good nursing care after treatment to reduce the chance of recurrence. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome need to pay attention to lifestyle adjustments: maintain a suitable living environment, change bad habits, and avoid staying up late; especially during long-term treatment, it is important to rest adequately, maintain physical strength, eat a nutritious diet, dress appropriately for weather changes, and avoid infections from bacteria and viruses. Diet should involve long-term restriction of calorie intake, choosing low-sugar, high-fiber options. A light diet rich in high-quality protein should be emphasized. Patients should quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. The most important aspect is weight control. Patients should engage in aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming at least 5 days per week, each session lasting at least 30 minutes. Lastly, it is crucial to stabilize emotions, manage oneself, maintain an optimistic outlook, and avoid extreme anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety.

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy Probability

When suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), patients have a lower chance of becoming pregnant, mainly due to the impact of PCOS on female fertility. This often causes ovulation disorders, resulting in rare ovulation or anovulation. Without normal ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur normally. When diagnosed with PCOS, it is recommended that patients undergo ovulation induction therapy. Obese women should promote bodily recovery by losing weight, and generally, women can conceive after their normal ovulation is restored through treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 4sec

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What foods are good to eat for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome must pay attention to their diet, as the characteristics of this disease include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Due to obesity, one should avoid eating large portions of meat and food that is high in fat and calories. Additionally, patients should check their fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, as the majority of these patients tend to have high blood sugar and insulin resistance. At this time, foods high in starch should be avoided. Dietarily, it is generally advisable to eat more green vegetables, fruits, and beans or bean products. Bean products contain estrogens which can counteract the high testosterone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, dietary attention is crucial. Besides focusing on diet, patients should also lose weight and reduce body weight through exercise, which helps in the recovery from the disease.