What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

Polycystic ovary syndrome often begins in adolescence, with primary clinical manifestations including menstrual disorders, excess androgens, and obesity. First, menstrual disorders are the most prominent symptoms, often characterized by infrequent menstruation, with cycles ranging from 35 days to 6 months, or amenorrhea. Before amenorrhea, there may be scanty menses or infrequent menstruation. It can also present as irregular uterine bleeding with no regular pattern in menstrual cycle, period, or flow. Second, infertility. Women of childbearing age may experience infertility due to ovulatory disorders. Third, hirsutism is the most common manifestation of high androgen levels. It appears in varying degrees, primarily affecting sexual hair, with dense pubic hair showing a male pattern tendency, extending around the anus, groin, or midline of the abdomen. There may also be fine mustache hair on the upper lip or hair around the nipple. Oily skin is also common, related to the accumulation of androgens stimulating vigorous secretion from the sebaceous glands. Fourth, obesity. Over 50% of patients are obese, commonly exhibiting abdominal obesity. Fifth, acanthosis nigricans. Occurs in areas such as the labia, the back of the neck, armpits, under the breasts, and the groin, where skin folds are present. This is characterized by symmetric grey-brown pigmentation, thickened skin, and a soft texture.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 13sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
50sec home-news-image

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder, characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, scanty or irregular menstrual bleeding, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. PCOS is considered a difficult-to-treat gynecological disease, with a high likelihood of recurrence after treatment. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo relevant medical examinations at a hospital. The diagnosis of PCOS generally involves a combination of ultrasound imaging and a six-item hormone test, which can confirm whether one has the condition. If diagnosed with PCOS, active treatment is necessary, as it is one of the more challenging gynecological endocrine disorders to manage.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 8sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What foods are good to eat for polycystic ovary syndrome?

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome must pay attention to their diet, as the characteristics of this disease include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Due to obesity, one should avoid eating large portions of meat and food that is high in fat and calories. Additionally, patients should check their fasting blood glucose and insulin levels, as the majority of these patients tend to have high blood sugar and insulin resistance. At this time, foods high in starch should be avoided. Dietarily, it is generally advisable to eat more green vegetables, fruits, and beans or bean products. Bean products contain estrogens which can counteract the high testosterone levels in polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, dietary attention is crucial. Besides focusing on diet, patients should also lose weight and reduce body weight through exercise, which helps in the recovery from the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
27sec home-news-image

How is polycystic ovary syndrome treated?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is mainly treated symptomatically, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and surgical treatment. Medication involves regulating menstrual cycles, reducing blood androgen levels, improving insulin resistance, and inducing ovulation; the main surgical treatment currently used is laparoscopic ovarian drilling.