The difference between polycystic and polycystic ovary syndrome

Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on October 30, 2024
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Some women may discover they have polycystic ovaries during occasional gynecological exams. If their menstrual cycle is regular, with good ovulation, and does not affect pregnancy, then it is just a polycystic ovarian state, not called polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily involves irregular menstruation, poor ovulation, and difficulty in becoming pregnant. The condition of polycystic ovary syndrome varies greatly among individuals; some show clear signs of high androgens or have laboratory tests indicating high androgen levels, and many people experience a significant increase in luteinizing hormone, among other symptoms. Therefore, these are two different conditions.

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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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What should I eat to manage polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disease that cannot be cured, and it is a metabolic disease, which makes it easy to develop diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a light diet, eat more fruits and vegetables to regulate the body, avoid greasy foods, exercise regularly, and keep the body within the normal range. By doing so, people with this syndrome can live like everyone else. However, if a person with polycystic ovary syndrome goes more than two months without menstruation, they must be treated with progesterone, primarily to prevent endometrial cancer.

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The difference between polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovaries are different. Firstly, polycystic ovaries are diagnosed through ultrasound, wherein more than 12 small follicles are found in both ovaries simultaneously under ultrasound guidance. This condition can occur in some normal women as well as women who have been taking short-acting birth control pills for a long time. In subsequent check-ups, this condition might not be detected. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease represented by a cluster of clinical symptoms. For instance, women may experience infrequent ovulation, longer menstrual cycles, and it can also lead to infertility. There are also manifestations of increased androgen levels, such as increased body hair and facial acne. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily affects a woman's normal fertility functions and thus requires treatment; whereas, polycystic ovaries usually just require observation.

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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.

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What is the best treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome varies greatly among individuals, and clinical manifestations are very different. The specific condition of each person is different, hence the treatment methods also vary. Therefore, there is no single best way to treat it; treatment should be tailored to the individual. For example, if one can maintain a good condition with relatively regular menstrual cycles and it does not affect pregnancy, then no special treatment might be necessary. However, if there is a long absence of menstrual periods, then treatment such as using birth control pills to regulate hormones may be necessary. Some people may also have concurrent conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or insulin resistance, and treatment for these conditions should be based on specific test results.