Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is one of the important causes of infertility because it reveals the problem of ovulation. In these patients, menstrual irregularity, hair growth, excessive weight gain and acne can be seen. Insulin resistance may occur in approximately 1/3 of PCOS patients, and Type-2 diabetes mellitus in 10%. This disease can be combated with the help of diet and exercise under the control of a dietitian and appropriate drug treatment. From Memorial Kayseri Hospital IVF Center, Assoc. Dr. Semih Zeki Uludağ gave information about polycystic ovary syndrome.
It is seen in 1 out of every 10 women
Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is an important ovulation problem in women, is seen in one of every 10 women. This problem, which occurs frequently in women of reproductive age, manifests itself in the form of excessive number of egg sacs formed in the ovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome, which is diagnosed by seeing cysts more than 10 times smaller than 1 cm in ultrasonography, which is an imaging technique, can lead to infertility, diabetes, coronary artery diseases and blood pressure disorders as well as infertility if not treated.
If there is no ovulation, PCOS may occur
The two ovaries necessary for reproduction in the female body develop a mature egg suitable for fertilization during the menstrual period. The egg develops and matures in a fluid-filled sac called a 'follicle'. Every month, a follicle is selected in women, it grows and ovulation occurs. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, this follicle cannot be selected and therefore ovulation does not occur every month. On the ultrasound examination, the ovaries are seen as many sacs containing immature eggs, that is, as many cysts.
Irregular periods are an important indicator
About % of women applying to IVF centers It turns out that 20 of them have ovulation problems. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common ovulation problems of women who are examined by specialist physicians for the purpose of having a child. In women with menstrual irregularity, overweight and hair growth problems, physical examination and ultrasound to be performed Diagnosis should be made after n. Although menstrual irregularity is sometimes seen as a normal condition during adolescence, whether it is caused by PCOS should be determined by laboratory tests as well as imaging techniques, and the appropriate treatment model for the patient should be determined.
7 important symptoms of PCOS:
absence of menstruation after one or two menstrual periods in adolescence, irregular menstruation (menstruation less than 35 days), unusual bleeding.
Extreme acne on the face and back, visible changes in skin texture, spots on the hands. Polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of recurrent acne, especially in the 20s.
As a result of this disease, excessive hair growth and deepening of the voice are thought to be due to male hormones (androgens). The testosterone hormone, which is present at a certain rate in every woman, causes hair growth and a deepening of the voice. >
The breast tissue in women may also shrink over time, especially as a result of the decrease in female hormones and the increase in male hormones.
Difficulty in pregnancy formation or infertility is an important symptom. This problem, which is seen in 10% of young women, is one of the most important causes of infertility.
Excessive weight gain is also among the symptoms. It has been determined that half of the women with polycystic ovary have severe weight problems.
Insulin hormone is among the causes
Despite many clinical and experimental studies, the cause of the disease is not known exactly. However, the disease is thought to be caused by the hormone 'insulin', which regulates carbohydrate metabolism. It is assumed that being overweight causes insulin resistance and that insulin resistance triggers polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin, the basic hormone that allows sugar, which is the main food source in the body, to enter the body cells (muscle, fat and liver cells) from the blood to provide energy, is secreted from beta cells in the pancreas. with insulin resistance High insulin levels in the body increase the production of male hormones (androgens) in the ovaries.
It is important to lose an ideal weight
While planning the treatment, first of all, these patients should be provided with weight control under the supervision of a dietitian and maintain the ideal weight level. If necessary, drug therapy used in diabetics to break insulin resistance is used in this period. As a result of medical treatment and weight loss, menstruation improves significantly, and sometimes pregnancy can occur spontaneously with the disappearance of the ovulation problem. However, if menstrual irregularity continues after these procedures, drugs that stimulate ovulation and hormone injections can be applied.
Controls and examinations should be routinely performed
It is important that women with polycystic ovary syndrome do not stop their gynecological follow-ups after pregnancy and continue their annual examinations. The risk of uterine cancer is also increased in patients with PCOS. In these patients, some diseases, especially diabetes, may be seen in older ages. To prevent this, excessive weight gain should be prevented, regular exercise should be recommended and, if necessary, menstruation should be maintained with medications.
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