One of the diseases that has been increasingly seen in recent years, causing both physiological and aesthetic problems, is polycystic ovary syndrome.

This disease, which is observed in 1 out of 10 women and is quite common among women of reproductive age, leads to ovulation disorders and can also cause infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome can bring about other diseases if left untreated.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common hormonal disorders in women, is a health problem characterized by the formation of many small and benign cysts in the ovaries.

Although the name includes “cysts,” there are no actual cysts in the ovaries. Due to the formation of many small follicles in the ovaries, the ovulation cycle is disrupted, causing the menstrual period to be painful and difficult. The biggest handicap of this disease is that it makes having children difficult.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a health problem where genetic factors play an important role and can also lay the groundwork for many other diseases.

What causes polycystic ovary syndrome?

Although the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not known, many factors are believed to contribute to its development. The primary factor is genetic influence. Especially if the mother or sister has polycystic ovary syndrome, the likelihood of the person having it increases.

Another risk factor is excess weight. It is thought that obesity creates a suitable environment for this disease because excess weight causes increased insulin levels in the blood, which in turn increases androgen hormone synthesis.

This imbalance in sex hormones in the body can disrupt the ovulation cycle and lead to the development of the disease.

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

• Disruption in menstrual cycle
• Absence of menstruation
• Lengthening of intervals between menstrual periods
• Increased body hair
• Weight gain
• Infertility and recurrent miscarriages
• Increased oiliness and acne on the face, chest, and back
• Male-pattern hair loss
• High blood pressure
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Thickening of the uterine lining
• Increased risk of uterine cancer in later stages
• Voice deepening
• Breast shrinkage and shape changes
• Inability to have children

How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?

To diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, a detailed patient history is first taken. Based on this, clinical findings and ultrasound are used to confirm the diagnosis.

Since it occurs in about 1 in 10 women, it is important for individuals who notice symptoms to visit a doctor and undergo a gynecological examination. Hormone tests and complete blood counts are usually performed at this point.

The levels of androgen hormones, along with FSH and LH hormone levels in the blood, are decisive in diagnosing this disease.

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

As with many women’s diseases, treatment for PCOS varies depending on the course of the disease, the patient’s age, condition, and expectations. However, first, factors that may complicate the treatment process should be eliminated.

If there is a weight problem, the patient should lose weight under the guidance of a dietitian. If hormonal disorders in the reproductive system are detected through tests, birth control pills or menstrual regulating drugs can be prescribed. Hormone injections and various antiandrogen drugs that reduce male hormone levels may also be used.

If the disease prevents the patient from having children, various medications that stimulate ovulation are preferred. In some patients with impaired ovulation function, laparoscopic surgeries on the ovaries may be performed to restore healthy function.