Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease.

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 23, 2025
00:00
00:00

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a type of endocrine disorder, and its exact cause is unclear, but it might be closely related to genetic and environmental factors. Generally, most women start to show symptoms during puberty. Blood tests for six hormone levels commonly indicate elevated androgen levels, or an imbalance in the ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone. Persistent anovulation can be observed through ultrasound monitoring or basal body temperature tracking. The ovaries may display multiple cystic changes, which are actually anovulatory follicles. Some women may also experience insulin resistance and obesity. This condition can severely impact a woman’s menstrual cycle and normal fertility, as prolonged estrogen stimulation may also lead to endometrial cancer.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
39sec home-news-image

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Dietary Regulation

Diet is one of the crucial aspects of managing and treating patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The importance of diet is not only reflected in weight reduction and maintenance, but it also greatly aids in the control of insulin levels. Many patients also suffer from insulin resistance, causing the pancreas to secrete more insulin to function effectively. Patients with PCOS can increase their consumption of green leafy vegetables, fruits, colorful and white vegetables, organic and grass-fed meats, as well as healthy fats.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
2min 19sec home-news-image

What should be noted about polycystic ovary syndrome?

First, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should control their diet and exercise appropriately to reduce or control weight and decrease waist circumference. Second, develop good eating habits, maintain nutritional balance, and pay attention to the control of calories and fat. Obese individuals should moderate their diet, eat less greasy and rich foods, and avoid overeating. Consume more vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Third, women who are losing weight should not blindly use weight loss medications and avoid excessive dieting and rapid weight loss over a short period. Fourth, exercise regularly, such as walking, jogging, playing ball sports, swimming, martial arts, the Five Animal Frolics, and various forms of dance. However, avoid intense exercise and pay attention to balancing work and rest. Fifth, maintain emotional stability and a positive mindset. Avoid rage, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety. Sixth, obese women with menstrual irregularities should note: significantly prolonged menstrual cycles, or having a period every few months or not at all, and the development of acne on the face should seek medical advice early. Seventh, reduce stress and maintain a good psychological state. Establish confidence in treatment and be patient with therapy. Young female patients who are untreated have a high probability of developing Type 2 diabetes in middle and old age and can become infertile. Therefore, once this disease appears, behavioral, dietary, and exercise therapies should be combined with medical treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor. Eighth, doctors, family members, and spouses should actively encourage and support the patient to lose weight, offering emotional understanding and help.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 53sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 19sec home-news-image

Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

For patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the most important aspect is weight control. Patients need to engage in aerobic exercise at least 5 days a week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., each session lasting at least 30 minutes. Attention should also be paid to lifestyle adjustments: ensure a suitable living environment, change bad habits, and avoid staying up late; especially during long-term treatment, it is important to rest, maintain physical strength, and follow a nutritious diet. Be sure to dress appropriately with changing weather to avoid infections from bacteria, viruses, etc. Dietary adjustments involve long-term restriction of calorie intake, opting for low-sugar, high-fiber foods. A light diet with more high-quality protein is recommended. Quit smoking and drinking, and avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and spicy foods. Lastly, it’s crucial to stabilize emotions, focus on self-regulation, maintain an optimistic outlook, and avoid anger, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety.