What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 19, 2025
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Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common gynecological endocrine disease, often seen in adolescence, primarily characterized by high levels of androgens. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by persistent anovulation and polycystic ovarian changes. It is often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. The exact cause of the disease has not yet been fully clarified, and it may be due to the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome requires timely treatment with hormonal drugs or laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery, followed by further management based on the examination results.

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome cure itself?

Strictly speaking, polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic disease, just like hypertension, which does not have concepts of being cured or healing naturally. It's just that symptoms vary from person to person, and the degree of impact differs. For example, some people have ovulation disorders, often characterized by sparse menstruation or amenorrhea; some have high androgen levels in the blood, often characterized by excessive hair growth and acne; others may have metabolic abnormalities, commonly manifesting as obesity. If patients adjust their lifestyles well, the long-term impact can be relatively minor, but this should not be considered self-healing.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What foods should be eaten with polycystic ovary syndrome?

The characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, hirsutism, and hormone level tests generally indicate high testosterone, high luteinizing hormone, and low estrogen levels. Therefore, dietary intake should avoid large portions of meat, high-fat, and high-calorie foods. It is beneficial to consume more vegetables and fruits, and foods that are high in estrogen levels, such as beans and soy products, especially soy milk made from black soybeans. Besides pharmacological treatments, it is crucial for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome to regulate their daily routines and diet. If a patient is significantly overweight, it is essential to lose weight through exercise.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

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
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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 He Bing
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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.