How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on September 10, 2024

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Clinically, it generally presents with symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. If these symptoms appear, it is essential to visit a hospital for an ultrasound examination. The diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be made if more than 12 follicles are observed on a single sectional view of the ovaries during the ultrasound. In such cases, it is also necessary to have a blood test at the hospital to analyze six key sex hormones, including the ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone, and the levels of testosterone. If the blood test shows high levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can also be considered. A diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can generally be confirmed through a combination of ultrasound and sex hormone tests, followed by targeted treatment based on the test results.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

59sec

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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by symptoms such as amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. In cases of PCOS, the chances of natural conception are slim unless one regularly maintains a disciplined lifestyle, manages PCOS through exercise, weight loss, and a regulated life routine which normalizes hormone levels, thus enabling normal ovulation and the possibility of natural conception. Otherwise, a distinctive feature of PCOS is anovulation, and to achieve conception, hormone levels must be normalized. Once hormone levels are normalized, some individuals may ovulate on their own, while others may need medication to stimulate ovulation. Therefore, the chances of natural conception with PCOS are very low.

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Written by He Bing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 51sec

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The fastest conception method for polycystic ovary syndrome

If patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) want to conceive as soon as possible, they can make efforts in the following areas: First, weight loss. Among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, 67% are obese or overweight. Obesity for PCOS patients is not only unattractive but also brings metabolic disorders, reproductive health, and other hazards. Therefore, the first thing is to lose weight. However, weight loss should not rely solely on dieting; it requires a reasonable dietary arrangement combined with scientific exercise methods. Reducing or controlling weight can improve hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenemia, thereby restoring menstrual cycles, reducing hirsutism and symptoms, and greatly increasing the chances of conception. Second, medication-assisted treatment, mainly from three aspects: adjusting menstrual cycles, treating hyperandrogenemia, and treating insulin resistance. Third, ovulation induction and assisted reproduction. If a PCOS patient with a pregnancy desire cannot conceive naturally with normal male semen analysis, medication-induced ovulation and assisted reproductive technology can be considered to aid conception. Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine metabolic disease and a chronic condition that requires long-term management. It cannot be resolved overnight. Patients need to maintain a relaxed attitude and proceed under the guidance of a professional doctor.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 15sec

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How to lose weight with polycystic ovary syndrome?

The characteristics of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. Most patients with PCOS are overweight, and such individuals definitely need to have their blood drawn again at the hospital to check their blood sugar levels and insulin for abnormalities. If the blood sugar is also high and there is positive insulin resistance, medication must be used to adjust the blood sugar levels. With normal blood sugar, weight loss can also proceed. Moreover, obesity being a characteristic of the disease itself, it generally can be managed through eating less and exercising more. One should avoid eating large amounts of meat, foods high in fat and calories, and instead consume more vegetables and fruits, as well as beans and soy products, particularly black soybeans used to make soy milk. It is essential to perform one hour of aerobic exercise every night before sleep, and one should definitely avoid staying up late. With these endocrine adjustments, normal body weight can be restored.

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Written by He Bing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 53sec

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What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

50sec

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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.