The difference between polycystic and polycystic ovary syndrome

Written by Wang Jing Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Updated on October 30, 2024

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Some women may discover they have polycystic ovaries during occasional gynecological exams. If their menstrual cycle is regular, with good ovulation, and does not affect pregnancy, then it is just a polycystic ovarian state, not called polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome primarily involves irregular menstruation, poor ovulation, and difficulty in becoming pregnant. The condition of polycystic ovary syndrome varies greatly among individuals; some show clear signs of high androgens or have laboratory tests indicating high androgen levels, and many people experience a significant increase in luteinizing hormone, among other symptoms. Therefore, these are two different conditions.

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Written by He Bing

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 34sec

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Pregnancy Rate

For women who plan to conceive, their biggest concern is whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) will affect their normal fertility. Normally, reproductive-aged women develop a group of 3-11 follicles each month, which after recruitment and selection, typically only one follicle fully matures and ovulates, while the other follicles degenerate after reaching a certain stage of development. However, in patients with PCOS, the ovaries contain many small and immature follicles, often more than 12. The amount of follicle-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland is not sufficient to support the development of even one follicle, leading to anovulation and infertility. For patients with PCOS who want to conceive, the greatest risk is infertility. Patients can control their weight and regulate their menstrual cycles by adjusting their lifestyle, or by using medication to induce ovulation. Generally, more than 95% of patients can successfully induce ovulation and achieve pregnancy through medication. However, the success rate of achieving pregnancy through induced ovulation after 6 attempts is only 75% to 80%. Even for those who ovulate naturally, the success rate of conception within a year is only 82%. Therefore, it is essential to be patient, as hurried efforts will not yield immediate results in treatment.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong

Obstetrics and Gynecology

1min 27sec

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is what matter?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a type of gynecological endocrine disorder. Its clinical manifestations include amenorrhea, obesity, infertility, acne, and hirsutism. A key characteristic of the disease is anovulation which affects fertility. Therefore, the general diagnostic procedure for patients with suspected PCOS begins with an ultrasound at a hospital. If the ultrasound suggests PCOS, it is necessary to have a blood test for sex hormone levels on an empty stomach during the 2nd to 5th day of the menstrual cycle. Diagnosis is generally determined through a combination of sex hormone tests and ultrasound examinations, which can confirm whether one has PCOS. The causes of PCOS are generally attributed to staying up late, dieting, high stress, irregular lifestyle, indiscriminate use of contraceptives and diet pills, obesity, and patients with other endocrine disorders. Since PCOS affects fertility and is difficult to treat, patients diagnosed with this condition must seek treatment in hospital endocrinology departments or specialized gynecology departments.

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Written by Li Shun Hua

Obstetrics and Gynecology

56sec

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Treatment Methods for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a metabolic disease and is lifelong and incurable. The most common symptoms are menstrual irregularities during the reproductive years, such as anovulation or rare ovulation, manifesting as menstrual disorders and infertility. At this time, if there is a desire for childbirth, menstrual regulation and ovulation induction can be achieved using progestogens or contraceptives; if there is no desire for childbirth, ensure that menstruation occurs at least once every two months to protect the endometrial lining and prevent endometrial cancer. For overweight individuals, it is crucial to exercise and control diet to lose weight, as maintaining a normal weight range does not greatly affect health.

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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

2min 19sec

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What should be noted about polycystic ovary syndrome?

First, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should control their diet and exercise appropriately to reduce or control weight and decrease waist circumference. Second, develop good eating habits, maintain nutritional balance, and pay attention to the control of calories and fat. Obese individuals should moderate their diet, eat less greasy and rich foods, and avoid overeating. Consume more vegetables, fruits, and high-quality proteins. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Third, women who are losing weight should not blindly use weight loss medications and avoid excessive dieting and rapid weight loss over a short period. Fourth, exercise regularly, such as walking, jogging, playing ball sports, swimming, martial arts, the Five Animal Frolics, and various forms of dance. However, avoid intense exercise and pay attention to balancing work and rest. Fifth, maintain emotional stability and a positive mindset. Avoid rage, depression, excessive tension, and long-term anxiety. Sixth, obese women with menstrual irregularities should note: significantly prolonged menstrual cycles, or having a period every few months or not at all, and the development of acne on the face should seek medical advice early. Seventh, reduce stress and maintain a good psychological state. Establish confidence in treatment and be patient with therapy. Young female patients who are untreated have a high probability of developing Type 2 diabetes in middle and old age and can become infertile. Therefore, once this disease appears, behavioral, dietary, and exercise therapies should be combined with medical treatment under the guidance of a professional doctor. Eighth, doctors, family members, and spouses should actively encourage and support the patient to lose weight, offering emotional understanding and help.