Key points:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is not a disease that endangers the lives of patients, its treatment is optional.
- It is a syndrome that affects the ability to procreate, however, a Subspecialist can adequately treat the condition, restoring the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
- Its symptoms are characteristic and the diagnosis involves more than the appearance of cysts in a study.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
A syndrome refers to the set of specific symptoms that characterize a disease.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is not only a hormonal imbalance but also has particular symptoms that we will explain below and that can often be confused with other alterations and/or diseases.
Its main characteristic is the increase in male hormones and as a consequence, symptoms such as:
- Overweight or obesity.
- Acne in specific areas of the face.
- Excess hair on the face, abdomen, chest, and back.
- Thickening and darkening of the skin in areas such as armpits, groin, and neck.
- Modification in menstrual periods such as prolongation or lack of it.
- Fertility problems.
- Excessive secretion of male hormones.
Who does it affect and what are the risk factors?
This syndrome occurs only in women and can appear after the first menstruation, but it is more common to see it in women between 20 and 35 years old.
Some risk factors can be the cause and as a consequence of the same condition:
- Diabetes
- Obesity and/or overweight
- Family history
And although the cause of this syndrome is unknown, some studies have revealed possible factors that influence the formation of the polycystic ovary.
- Insulin excess that can increase the production of androgens and make it difficult to ovulate.
- A decrease in the production of substances generated by white blood cells, increasing androgen levels causing heart and blood vessel deficiencies.
What are the consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome?
In general, there are no causes that endanger the lives of those who suffer from it, this is an issue that is related to the hope of procreating, since this syndrome alters ovary function to be released at the right time, therefore, as there is no ovary available, pregnancy can’t be achieved.
How is it treated? Is there a cure?
Today, this disease has no cure, however, thanks to medicine we can find different methods to treat it.
If you want to get pregnant and suffer from PCOS
You need to consult with a sub-specialist, as they have all the experience you need to treat this condition and help you procreate.
A reproductive biologist and gynecology and assisted reproduction expert are the ones indicated to assess not only this condition but also to assess you and your partner to determine the appropriate and efficient treatment to achieve your goal.
Patients with this condition usually have a good prognosis for pregnancy, so don’t worry, trust your doctor.
What should I do if I am not interested in getting pregnant?
As we mentioned, this condition does not have consequences that endanger the patient’s life, however, it is common for them to require treatment to minimize symptoms that affect their physical appearance such as acne, facial hair, or being overweight. In this case, the hormonal disorder is treated directly with contraceptives and other recommendations from specialists to counteract male hormones.
Whatever your case, see a specialist.
Here is the Women’s Center contact where you will find specialists who attend to your symptoms or help you fulfill the dream of being a mother.
At ABC Medical Center’s Gynecology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Documento escrito por el Dr. Ricardo Adame Pinacho, ginecobstetray subespecialista en Biología de la Reproducción Humana en el Centro Médico ABC.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
