What are the symptoms of polycystic ovaries and how to treat them?
Thanks to the development of medicine and technology, the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can take place using various methods and treatments that provide an optimal effect and eliminate the adverse effects of this disease in the long term.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common disorders of the reproductive system in women of childbearing age.
This disease affects an average of 10% of women of reproductive age, and is characterized by hormonal imbalance that can trigger disorders in the menstrual cycle, an increased risk of suffering from various cardiovascular diseases, problems with conception, etc.
The symptoms of PCOS are often easily mistaken for other diseases or considered negligible, which is why the disease can impair the quality of your life, but also prolong the treatment and recovery process.
Thanks to the development of medicine and technology, the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can take place using various methods and treatments that provide an optimal effect and eliminate the adverse effects of this disease in the long term.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder that affects women between the ages of 15 and 45, and is characterized by increased secretion of male sex hormones (androgens).
Increased production of androgens affects the overall hormonal state of a woman, and can be recognized by irregular menstruation and lack of ovulation.
Namely, increased secretion of androgens prevents the full development of the egg, and as a consequence, delayed or completely omitted ovulation and menstruation occur.
It is believed that PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders, and at the same time the main cause of infertility in women.
Although the consequences of the disease are most often recognizable by impaired ovarian function, this disease affects and effects the entire endocrinological system of a person. Therefore, PCOS is responsible for the occurrence of hyperandrogenemia, hyperandrogenism, obesity and insulin resistance.
Although we cannot determine the exact cause with precision, it is speculated that genetics is one of the main reasons for the appearance of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Frequent hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or an inherited amount of testosterone are just some of the genetic predispositions responsible for the development of PCOS. However, regardless of the causes, it is necessary to diagnose this disorder as early as possible to prevent the development of possible complications such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
Polycystic ovary syndrome can be recognized by a number of symptoms. Unfortunately, some symptoms can be easily confused with other disorders or even attributed to some external circumstances that cause the disease to go unnoticed.
Thus, for example, a lack of physical activity or an unhealthy diet can be blamed for increased body weight, while in reality, the main cause can be polycystic ovary syndrome.
The following symptoms could indicate the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, and if you notice multiple symptoms at the same time, we recommend that you seek professional help as soon as possible:
Due to the increased secretion of androgens, bleeding can become less frequent and therefore more painful once it occurs.
Irregular ovulation can make it difficult to try to get pregnant.
Increased testosterone secretion also has an effect on increased hair production.
Due to hormonal imbalance, there is an increase in fat deposits, as well as cholesterol in the blood.
Although testosterone secretion has an enhanced effect on body hair, the situation is different with hair. Women with increased testosterone levels may experience hair loss at the front of the head and in the middle along the scalp.
Increased androgen levels cause acne and oily skin, which is one of the first significant indicators of PCOS.
If PCOS is not treated in time, other health disorders can occur at a late stage of development, such as:
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we conduct a series of examinations through which we can successfully diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome, and we divide them into several categories:
With the medical history, we get an insight into the disorders you have experienced and for which you came to seek help. In a conversation with specialists, you will present typical problems that may indicate the development of PCOS (obesity, irregular menstruation, infertility, etc.).
Physical examination includes various tests that could indicate polycystic ovary syndrome:
Ultrasound examination is an indispensable segment in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome. During the examination, it is necessary to pay attention to indicators such as the volume of the ovary, the number and volume of follicles in the ovary.
This type of analysis includes conducting tests such as:
The treatment of PCOS may depend on the age, symptoms, and current life circumstances in which the person is.
There are 3 treatment methods that we most often prescribe to patients in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome:
If it is only the initial stage of the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, doctors may prescribe a therapy that will not yet require surgery or hormone treatment. In the beginning, it may be enough to change your lifestyle habits , which can often be the culprit for hormonal imbalances and diseases accompanied by such phenomena.
These are some of the activities and changes you could incorporate when treating PCOS:
Hormone therapy is based on an attempt to correct hormone imbalances. This therapy is often used if PCOS is accompanied by acne, oily skin and increased hairiness.
The consumption of birth control pills can also reduce the production of male sex hormones and stop the visible characteristics of this disease.
Before taking birth control pills, it is necessary to clearly explain your views on fertility retention in a conversation with your doctor.
Surgical treatment of the disease is based on the application of the so-called drilling method. It is carried out by the laparoscopic method in which the abdominal cavity is filled with gas, and then several superficial lesions of the ovaries are made to reduce the number of antral follicles that produce androgens.
By removing the follicle and reducing the volume of the ovaries, the production of the male sex hormone is prevented , which impaired the proper functioning of the ovaries.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease that can affect all women who are in the fertile phase of life.
There are numerous factors that can affect the occurrence and development of the disease, and at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic, we try to find the main culprit and provide you with appropriate therapy as soon as possible.
Whether it’s hormone therapy, surgery or just a change in lifestyle habits, our team of gynaecology specialists will choose the solution that gives you the best results.
Make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
