A typical ovarian and an ovary from a person with PCOS are contrasted. What is polycystic ovarian syndrome?

The condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is brought on by an excess of male hormones produced by the ovaries, which is the organ responsible for producing and releasing eggs. Your ovaries produce exceptionally high levels of androgens if you have PCOS.

Your reproductive hormones fall out of balance as a result. People with PCOS frequently experience irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and unexpected ovulation as a result. Due to a lack of ovulation, small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may form on your ovaries (anovulation). Nevertheless, despite the moniker "polycystic," PCOS does not require ovarian cysts.

One of the most prevalent factors in female infertility is PCOS. It may also raise your risk of developing additional medical problems. Based on your symptoms and whether you intend to have children, your doctor can choose the best course of treatment for PCOS.

Who may develop PCOS?

After puberty, a woman can develop PCOS at any time. When a person is attempting to get pregnant in their 20s or 30s, they are typically diagnosed. If you are obese or overweight, have a family history of PCOS, or are overweight, your risk of developing the condition may be increased.

How widespread is PCOS?

Up to 15% of women of reproductive age have PCOS, making it a highly common condition.

What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome primarily?

There is no recognised cause for PCOS. There is proof that genetics are involved. The following other factors may also contribute to PCOS:

higher concentrations of androgens, the male hormones: Ovulation is prevented by high amounts of testosterone, which results in irregular menstrual cycles. Small, fluid-filled sacs can also form in the ovaries as a result of irregular ovulation. Acne and excessive hair growth are further effects of high androgen in women.

Insulin resistance: The ovaries produce and release male hormone as a result of elevated insulin levels (androgens). Increased levels of male hormone subsequently prevent ovulation and worsen other PCOS symptoms. Your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy with the aid of insulin. Because of improper insulin processing, which results in insulin resistance, your blood glucose levels are elevated. Although not all people with insulin resistance have diabetes or high blood sugar, insulin resistance can cause diabetes. Insulin resistance can also be exacerbated by being obese. Even if your blood glucose is normal, a high insulin level may be a sign of insulin resistance.

Low-grade inflammation: PCOS sufferers frequently have low-grade inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell measurements can be done through blood tests by your doctor to determine how much inflammation is present in your body.

How does polycystic ovarian syndrome manifest?

PCOS's most typical signs and symptoms include:

Regular intervals:

Missing periods or not having any periods at all are signs of abnormal menstruation. It could also result in significant bleeding during period

Atypical hair growth:

significant hair development on the arms, chest, and abdomen as well as excessive facial hair (hirsutism). Up to 70% of women with PCOS are impacted by this.

Acne:

Acne can be brought on by PCOS, particularly on the back, chest, and face. Acne may persist throughout the teen years and be challenging to treat.

Overweight:

Approximately 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese and struggle with weight loss.

Skin tannification:

Patches of black skin, particularly in the breasts, groyne, armpits, and creases of your neck. Acanthosis nigricans is the term for this.

Cysts

Small pockets of fluid are prevalent in the ovaries of PCOS patients.

Skin identifiers:

Skin tags are tiny skin flaps that protrude. In PCOS-afflicted women, they are frequently located on the neck or in the armpits.

Hair thinning:

People who have PCOS may begin to bald or experience patches of hair loss on their heads.

Infertility:

The most frequent reason for female infertility is PCOS. Lack of ovulation or decreased ovulation frequency can prevent conception.

Can PCOS exist without any symptoms in me?

Yes, PCOS can exist without any obvious symptoms. Many individuals don't even recognise they have the illness until they experience difficulties getting pregnant or start accumulating weight for unexplained reasons. It's also possible to have moderate PCOS, in which case your symptoms would go unnoticed.

The diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome is how?

The majority of the time, a physical examination is all that is required to determine PCOS. To assist with the diagnosis, they could do an ultrasound or order blood tests.

Your medical professional will:

Discuss your symptoms and medical background with you.

Inquire about the medical history of your family.

Consider your blood pressure and weight.

Examine yourself physically, paying close attention to any skin tags, hair loss, acne, or abundant facial hair.

To check for enlarged ovaries or other growths in your uterus, perform a pelvic exam.

Request blood tests to examine your glucose and hormone levels.

Use a pelvic ultrasound to assess the thickness of your uterus' lining and look for cysts in your ovaries.

Typically, PCOS is diagnosed if at least two of the following are present:

missing or irregular periods When they do get their period, some people with PCOS bleed a lot.

acne or excessive hair growth are symptoms of too much androgen. Or, a blood test demonstrating elevated amounts of androgen.

one or both ovaries with cysts. Cysts do not develop in many persons.