This syndrome (group of signs and symptoms) is increasingly common among women of reproductive age, although it was described many years ago, in 1985 when ultrasound diagnosis came to be accepted.
In 2003 diagnostic criteria were established: 1) menstrual dysfunction, which is irregular menstruation, sporadic or absent due to lack of ovulation. 2) signs of hyperandrogenism. Androgens are male hormones (estrogen and are female). All women have both types of hormones, however in this condition there is an imbalance so that there is an excess of male hormones causing signs such as hirsutism, which is the presence of excessive hair on various areas of the body including the face, public region , arms etc. Also common acne. 3) Polycystic Ovarian ultrasound appearance (see photo).
Now, knowing this, what implications can bring this syndrome and what are its manifestations? Most patients with PCOS have infertility due to not ovulate by hormonal imbalance, remember that the mature oocyte must leave the ovary to be fertilized (ie ovulation), we can also find frequently resistant to insulin (the hormone is very important for the metabolism of carbohydrates), ie the organs do not respond to the action of this hormone and that is that patients may have high glucose levels as if they were diabetic, it is also extremely common obesity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
And what is the treatment? Given that syndrome involves many changes, it is understood that treatment includes multiple medications and recommendations, it is also necessary to know whether the patient has no desire or fertility. If there is obesity and / or impaired insulin need the help of a nutritionist and drugs that regulate the alteration of carbohydrate metabolism. If hirsutism may indicate androgen (some contraceptives have this property) and of course daily exercise is needed to improve all these symptoms and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, although it is a difficult disease to treat, it is possible to find a hormonal balance and it is also possible to achieve conception, but of course drugs are not miraculous, it is necessary perseverance and good control by the physician and patient.
If you suspect you have PCOS go to the gynecologist with a pelvic ultrasound and blood tests can make the diagnosis.
In 2003 diagnostic criteria were established: 1) menstrual dysfunction, which is irregular menstruation, sporadic or absent due to lack of ovulation. 2) signs of hyperandrogenism. Androgens are male hormones (estrogen and are female). All women have both types of hormones, however in this condition there is an imbalance so that there is an excess of male hormones causing signs such as hirsutism, which is the presence of excessive hair on various areas of the body including the face, public region , arms etc. Also common acne. 3) Polycystic Ovarian ultrasound appearance (see photo).
Now, knowing this, what implications can bring this syndrome and what are its manifestations? Most patients with PCOS have infertility due to not ovulate by hormonal imbalance, remember that the mature oocyte must leave the ovary to be fertilized (ie ovulation), we can also find frequently resistant to insulin (the hormone is very important for the metabolism of carbohydrates), ie the organs do not respond to the action of this hormone and that is that patients may have high glucose levels as if they were diabetic, it is also extremely common obesity, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
And what is the treatment? Given that syndrome involves many changes, it is understood that treatment includes multiple medications and recommendations, it is also necessary to know whether the patient has no desire or fertility. If there is obesity and / or impaired insulin need the help of a nutritionist and drugs that regulate the alteration of carbohydrate metabolism. If hirsutism may indicate androgen (some contraceptives have this property) and of course daily exercise is needed to improve all these symptoms and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, although it is a difficult disease to treat, it is possible to find a hormonal balance and it is also possible to achieve conception, but of course drugs are not miraculous, it is necessary perseverance and good control by the physician and patient.
If you suspect you have PCOS go to the gynecologist with a pelvic ultrasound and blood tests can make the diagnosis.
