Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Its Treatment
In general, the medical community uses the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” to refer to a change in the female reproductive system. In everyday speech, it is known as PCOS. It often affects women who are still in their reproductive age.
Those affected by polycystic ovary syndrome have fibrous structures inside their ovaries and these produce hormonal changes. Thus, their levels of androgens (Y chromosome hormone), such as testosterone and androsterone, are usually high.
In addition, this hormonal imbalance produces a number of symptoms that can lead to more serious complications over time if not treated properly.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Symptoms
The most common symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome are:
- Changes in menstrual cycles. These changes may affect intervals, duration, or intensity.
- Infertility or problems getting pregnant.
- Hirsutism or an increase in facial hair. It can occur on areas of the body that were previously hairless.
- Acne development that varies in severity.
- Hair loss with all the same characteristics as baldness in men.
Also read: Preventing Hair Loss: Five Tips for a Healthy Scalp
In addition, polycystic ovary syndrome is often present in women who are overweight or obese. These factors also contribute to the worsening of symptoms and new complications such as:
- Changes during pregnancy. This is usually associated with gestational diabetes and hypertension.
- Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Bleeding from the uterus.
- Changes in a woman’s behavior.
- Slightly increased likelihood of developing other diseases, such as uterine cancer or metabolic syndrome.
Researchers have not yet identified the exact trigger for this syndrome. However, there are several factors associated with its development.
In any case, there are several changes in the usual function of the ovaries. For example, this imbalance causes the ovaries to develop many small accumulations of fluid called follicles, and they may not be able to regularly release mature eggs in what should be the menstrual cycle.
Treatments of polycystic ovary syndrome
Today, medical professionals have many choices when it comes to choosing treatment. Therefore, they choose the most appropriate method according to a person’s specific characteristics and the effect of the syndrome in them.
It is therefore important that a woman diagnosed with polycystic ovaries informs her gynecologist about any medication she may be taking. In addition, she should also inform them about her lifestyle, allergies and other health issues she may be struggling with or may have had in the past.
Also read: Beetroot and syrup: A remedy for ovarian cysts
Treatment
These are some of the treatment guidelines most commonly used today:
Controlled weight reduction. The advice is to follow a balanced diet and maintain a daily physical routine.
2. Administration of medication. This is for the treatment of symptoms of endocrine disorders related to the polycystic ovary syndrome. All in all, these are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of polycystic ovaries:
- Birth control pills. These are for regulating hormone levels due to their content of estrogen and progesterone. Not only that, but they can also regulate menstrual periods and bleeding in the uterus. They also reduce the chances of getting other diseases, such as cervical cancer.
- Chemical compounds with progesterone. These, like contraception, help regulate menstrual cycles and are a form of prevention against uterine cancer.
- Other treatments to tackle excessive hair growth or hirsutism.
3. Electrolysis. This is a technique to destroy the follicles of the ovary. To do this, a needle sends a small electric charge to the problem area. This type of treatment requires a few sessions to complete.
We hope this article was helpful. Maybe it even answered some of your questions and resolved any doubts you may have had. Do not hesitate to contact your gynecologist for any other questions you still have on the subject.