Common signs of polycystic ovary syndrome

Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome

Currently, medicine has not yet determined the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, many studies show that polycystic ovary syndrome is related to the following factors:

Genetic factors

If your mother or sister has had polycystic ovaries, your risk of developing the condition is higher. This suggests that family factors play an important role.

Increased insulin

When the body is resistant to insulin, the ovaries may be stimulated to produce more male hormones (androgens). The increase in androgens is the cause of ovulation disorders and many of the characteristic symptoms of polycystic ovaries.

Hormonal disorders

An imbalance between the hormones LH and FSH secreted by the pituitary gland can directly affect the development of ovarian follicles, causing eggs to not mature or not be released.

Common signs in people with polycystic ovary syndrome

Menstrual disorders

Oligomenorrhea, prolonged menstrual cycles, or amenorrhea are the most common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome. Nearly 80% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome experience ovulation disorders, but more than 20% of patients have relatively regular menstrual cycles.

Hirsutism, acne, baldness

More than 70% of women with PCOS experience excessive hair growth on their face, back, abdomen, or chest. Many also experience hair loss, thinning hair, or baldness. All of these symptoms are due to increased levels of male hormones in the body.

Overweight, obesity

Most women with PCOS tend to be overweight or obese. However, a small percentage of women are thin or underweight.

For accurate diagnosis, transvaginal ultrasound is preferred because it provides clear images. Transabdominal ultrasound is often prone to errors and misses small cysts.

Dấu hiệu buồng trứng đa nang thường gặp- Ảnh 1. — The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is still unknown.

Important notes when diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome

Although the exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome has not been determined, when there are abnormal signs, women should monitor themselves and see a doctor for early diagnosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex of symptoms, so no single criteria is sufficient to diagnose it. Other conditions have similar symptoms, including:

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Androgen-secreting tumors
Cushing's syndrome
Thyroid disorders

Therefore, doctors need to rule out these conditions before concluding polycystic ovaries.

Patients are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome when they have at least 2 of 3 signs:

Ovulatory disorders or anovulation.
Hyperandrogenism (clinical or laboratory manifestations).
Ultrasound image of polycystic ovaries.

Treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome

Treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome aims to: Correct endocrine and metabolic disorders; Reduce the risk of excess estrogen (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia); Reduce androgen to limit complications such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease; Reduce uncomfortable symptoms; Support infertility treatment (if there is a need to become pregnant).

Hormonal contraception

This is the leading method to help regulate menstruation, reduce hirsutism and acne for women with polycystic ovaries and do not need to get pregnant.

Change your lifestyle

This is the cornerstone of treating PCOS, especially in those with insulin resistance. Lose weight (if overweight); Exercise regularly; Maintain a healthy diet.

These changes help: Stimulate ovulation; Regulate menstruation; Increase insulin sensitivity; Reduce hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans; Improve fertility.

Weight loss surgery may be considered if a person is very overweight and has not been able to lose weight through conventional means. However, this does not apply to women of normal weight.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity are at higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as: Gestational diabetes; Preterm birth; Preeclampsia; Therefore, pre-pregnancy assessment of BMI, blood pressure and glucose tolerance should be performed.