What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are a hormonal and ovulatory dysfunction in which ultrasound detects globular ovaries with many follicles (> 10) on the periphery of the stroma.
Dr. Florbela Gomes, a CETI specialist, also tells us that this fact may be associated with a change in the menstrual cycle, signs of excess androgens (acne and excess hair) or even certain hormonal analytical changes.
In this case, we are talking about polycystic ovary syndrome, in which there may be a disturbance in ovulation, which requires medical or surgical treatment to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, as it is one of the common causes of infertility.
What are the main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Symptoms usually appear during puberty and worsen over time, with the most common symptoms being:
- Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea (cessation of menstruation after it has started);
- Mild hirsutism (presence of hair in anatomical areas characteristic of the male pattern);
- Temporal alopecia (defined by hair loss);
- Acanthosis nigricans (characterized by thickening and darkening of the skin);
- Acne (an inflammatory skin disease that manifests itself through the appearance of papules, pustules (pimples) and closed comedones (whiteheads) or open comedones (blackheads).
What are the causes and risk factors?
Recent scientific research indicates that polycystic ovary syndrome is often associated with the following factors:
- Obesity;
- Insulin resistance;
- Family history;
- Low birth weight.
What are the most common forms of treatment?
There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, as it is a chronic disease. However, it is possible to undergo some treatments or adopt a healthy lifestyle to control its symptoms, such as:
- Regular physical exercise;
- Balanced diet;
- Use of ovulation stimulants;
- Use of contraceptive pills to regulate the menstrual cycle;
- Use of specific drugs to limit excess testosterone by reducing excessive hair growth.
As with any illness, you should consult your gynecologist or attending physician so that he or she can evaluate your clinical history and perform a physical examination, as the forms of treatment must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis, according to the patient’s symptoms.