How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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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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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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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.

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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disease and is incurable. The causes of this disease are not very clear at present, but are mostly related to environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, it is important to exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight. Generally, the problem is not very serious, but if there is a severe endocrine disorder, it must be addressed, especially in women of childbearing age who experience irregular menstruation or infertility. It is necessary to check the endocrine system and regulate menstruation and promote ovulation based on the endocrine results. If there is a desire to conceive, oral contraceptives can be taken followed by treatments to regulate menstruation and promote ovulation. If there is no desire to conceive, menstruation should occur at least once every two months to avoid endometrial abnormalities.

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The difference between polycystic and polycystic ovary syndrome

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.