Polycystic Ovary Syndrome


How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?
When suspecting polycystic ovary syndrome in females, it is essential to first inquire about the woman's menstrual history and menstrual cycle. A detailed observation of the woman's body type should be made, as some women may appear somewhat overweight and have increased body hair, such as small mustaches around the lips, and some may even have acne on their faces. In addition, a thorough physical examination should be conducted, including a gynecological examination, where some women may find an increased volume in both ovaries. Hormonal tests can also be conducted, showing elevated levels of androgens, or an imbalance in the levels ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone. Some women may exhibit insulin resistance, with abnormalities in blood glucose and lipid levels. Ultrasound examination can show many small follicles in both ovaries on the same plane, without a dominant follicle, and the number of small follicles generally exceeds 12.


What are the causes of polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common gynecological endocrine disease, often seen in adolescence, primarily characterized by high levels of androgens. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by persistent anovulation and polycystic ovarian changes. It is often accompanied by insulin resistance and obesity. The exact cause of the disease has not yet been fully clarified, and it may be due to the interaction of genetic factors and environmental factors. Polycystic ovary syndrome requires timely treatment with hormonal drugs or laparoscopic ovarian drilling surgery, followed by further management based on the examination results.


How to cultivate dominant follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial disease and a polymorphic clinical endocrine syndrome, characterized mainly by hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. It is one of the most common causes of menstrual irregularities in women of reproductive age and is also a cause of female infertility. Women often desire to have children and upon discovering they have polycystic ovary syndrome, they may use ovulation-inducing drugs under the advice of a doctor. Ovulation-inducing drugs can help develop dominant follicles. If you have tried a wide range of Western medicines with limited success, you can also consider using traditional Chinese patent medicine or herbs under a doctor’s prescription to further cultivate dominant follicles. Because the development of dominant follicles requires expertise, it must be conducted under the direction and advice of professional medical practitioners. If you have further questions, it is advisable to consult a doctor at a hospital for more detailed information.


Is the chance of getting pregnant with polycystic ovary syndrome high?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) manifests as absent or irregular menstrual periods, and is also associated with obesity, hirsutism, insulin metabolism disorders, as well as elevated blood sugar and cholesterol levels. The mechanism behind the development of PCOS is unclear but may be related to genetic factors, diet, and lack of exercise. Due to the irregular menstrual cycles, which stem from anovulation (lack of ovulation), the likelihood of pregnancy decreases. It is challenging to calculate the specific probability of pregnancy, but overall, the chances of becoming pregnant with PCOS are very low, although there is still a possibility. Treatment for PCOS generally starts with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding staying up late and refraining from eating sweets. Weight management is also crucial; weight gain is recommended for those who are underweight, whereas weight loss is advised for those who are overweight, along with appropriate exercise.


What is the best treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome varies greatly among individuals, and clinical manifestations are very different. The specific condition of each person is different, hence the treatment methods also vary. Therefore, there is no single best way to treat it; treatment should be tailored to the individual. For example, if one can maintain a good condition with relatively regular menstrual cycles and it does not affect pregnancy, then no special treatment might be necessary. However, if there is a long absence of menstrual periods, then treatment such as using birth control pills to regulate hormones may be necessary. Some people may also have concurrent conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or insulin resistance, and treatment for these conditions should be based on specific test results.


The difference between polycystic ovary syndrome and polycystic ovaries
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovaries are different. Firstly, polycystic ovaries are diagnosed through ultrasound, wherein more than 12 small follicles are found in both ovaries simultaneously under ultrasound guidance. This condition can occur in some normal women as well as women who have been taking short-acting birth control pills for a long time. In subsequent check-ups, this condition might not be detected. On the other hand, polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease represented by a cluster of clinical symptoms. For instance, women may experience infrequent ovulation, longer menstrual cycles, and it can also lead to infertility. There are also manifestations of increased androgen levels, such as increased body hair and facial acne. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily affects a woman's normal fertility functions and thus requires treatment; whereas, polycystic ovaries usually just require observation.


Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy Probability
When suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), patients have a lower chance of becoming pregnant, mainly due to the impact of PCOS on female fertility. This often causes ovulation disorders, resulting in rare ovulation or anovulation. Without normal ovulation, pregnancy cannot occur normally. When diagnosed with PCOS, it is recommended that patients undergo ovulation induction therapy. Obese women should promote bodily recovery by losing weight, and generally, women can conceive after their normal ovulation is restored through treatment.


What should I do if I don't get my period due to polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disease and a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. The main symptom is irregular menstruation, which can manifest as infrequent menstrual periods or absence of menstruation. If menstruation does not occur for more than two months, it is essential to take oral progestogens, such as progesterone or dydrogesterone, for 12 days. After stopping the medication, menstruation should resume. This is mainly to protect the endometrium, as not menstruating for an extended period prevents it from shedding. Under the influence of unopposed estrogen, there might be excessive proliferation, leading to precancerous changes in the endometrial lining and potentially developing into endometrial cancer over time. Therefore, it is crucial to have a menstrual period at least every two months to protect the endometrium. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)


How to regulate amenorrhea in polycystic ovary syndrome?
When a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome experiences amenorrhea, the first step is to observe her body type. If she is relatively obese, it is advisable to suggest controlling diet and engaging in moderate activity to reduce her weight, that is, to lower her body mass index. After doing so, some women may regain their normal menstrual cycles. For those with a normal body type or those who still have irregular menstrual cycles after losing weight, considering oral contraceptives might be suitable. These can reduce the level of androgens in the body. For women of childbearing age who still have reproductive needs, after regulating the menstrual cycle, if normal ovulation is not resumed, ovulation induction treatments can be considered to help the woman conceive normally.


Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive dysfunction accompanied by abnormal glucose metabolism, constituting an endocrine disorder syndrome primarily characterized by persistent anovulation, high androgen levels, and insulin resistance. To address the three main features of PCOS, treatment options include controlling diet and increasing physical activity to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce levels of insulin and testosterone, thereby restoring ovulation and fertility functions. Oral contraceptives, such as Diane-35, can be taken. Oral administration of Diane-35 acts on the endometrium to inhibit excessive proliferation and regulate the menstrual cycle. To reduce androgen levels, progestogens like cyproterone can be used to counteract high androgen levels. If there is high blood sugar, it is also necessary to improve insulin resistance, which can be treated with medications like metformin. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)