How to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome?

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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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.

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Written by Zhang Xiu Rong
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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 He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can polycystic ovary syndrome cure itself?

Strictly speaking, polycystic ovary syndrome is a chronic disease, just like hypertension, which does not have concepts of being cured or healing naturally. It's just that symptoms vary from person to person, and the degree of impact differs. For example, some people have ovulation disorders, often characterized by sparse menstruation or amenorrhea; some have high androgen levels in the blood, often characterized by excessive hair growth and acne; others may have metabolic abnormalities, commonly manifesting as obesity. If patients adjust their lifestyles well, the long-term impact can be relatively minor, but this should not be considered self-healing.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.)

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Written by He Bing
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.