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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered to be the most common endocrine alteration in childbearing age. In fact, it affects about 5-10% of women and, even if the causes are not yet known, the causes are known. possible consequences on the female body and organism.
Specifically, it is a syndrome characterized by:
- alterations of a metabolic nature (hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance);
- presence of ovarian cysts in both ovaries, but also only in one;
- endocrinological alterations;
- enlarged ovaries.
The one described is a rather large picture which leads to the onset of various symptoms including excessive facial hair, acne, irregular or sometimes absent menstrual cycle. In this sense, one early diagnosis can be decisive as various conditions are related to polycystic ovary syndrome (such as insulin resistance), which if not treated in time can cause health problems in women. In some cases, PCOS may also affect the chances of getting pregnant.
However, there are several possible treatments in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, to be evaluated according to the specific health condition of the patient.
To deepen the subject, we asked for the consultation of Doctor Elisabetta Colonese, Surgeon, specialized in Gynecology and Obstetrics, couple infertility therapy.
What is that
«It is a real syndrome because it is a set of signs and symptoms which give a characteristic picture of this pathology. To speak of polycystic ovary syndrome it is necessary to find in the patient a increased androgens (hence hyperandrogenism), anovularity or changes in ovulation which then affect the menstrual cycle and the typical ultrasound ovarian appearance of the polycystic ovary »explains the expert.
What are the causes
“At the base, there seems to be a hereditary factor, but in reality the pathogenesis is still unknown, so there are no real causes. Rather, there are women who present a predisposition to develop hereditary polycystic ovary syndrome “specifies Dr. Colonese.
What are the symptoms
«Polycystic ovary syndrome presents symptoms that can reveal themselves in a different way in patients. There are in fact women who have fewer symptoms and others who have more because they generally, on the basis of hyperandrogenism, are associated ovulatory problems, infertility problems and very irregular cycles even 2/3 times a year ».
What are the consequences
“Polycystic ovary syndrome can cause hyperandrogenism, a condition that manifests itself in the increase of hair in the woman’s body where it should not be present, hair loss, very greasy and seborrheic skin, acne. All this is a vicious circle because then on a physical level, this hormonal imbalance represents a predisposition towards insulin resistance. In fact these patients if they don’t act with one proper lifestyle, they tend to develop insulin resistance. The latter can be a problem in a woman’s life due to cardiovascular problems that can lead, in the worst cases, to the metabolic syndrome. In addition, these women are predisposed to developing diabetes and gestational diabetes ».
Act promptly therefore it is the best that can be done to prevent hormonal imbalance from leading to the development of important pathologies such as insulin resistance. What can be done concretely? First, start following a healthy lifestyle with one ad hoc diet that keeps the calorie content of lipids, carbohydrates and sugars at bay. In addition, it is good to associate a balanced diet with the constant practice of sporting activity.
What are the possible treatments
«We act first of all by following and maintaining an adequate lifestyle that includes a specific diet, sports and smoking cessation. Then you have to try to hold off insulin resistance by treating it with suitable therapy. On the other hand, from a gynecological point of view, we must help the patients a restore hormonal balance with a pill which generally also has an antiandrogenic effect. Generally, the estrogen-progestogen pill is a good therapy. If the woman is looking for a baby, the cure will be different and it will not be the pill. Rather, they will try to induce ovulation. There are several hormonal methods including ovulation monitoring and afterwards, you can move on to assisted fertilization. There are also supplementary therapies of folic acid and inositol that give a very big hand ”, concludes the expert.
In general therefore, it is good to perform a routine gynecological check-up to monitor the general health of the reproductive system, including the ovaries. In addition, in case of suspicious symptoms, it is better to talk about it as soon as possible with your trusted gynecologist.
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