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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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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Can polycystic ovary syndrome naturally conceive?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder characterized by reproductive dysfunction and abnormalities in glucose metabolism, with persistent anovulation, excess androgens, and insulin resistance as its main features. Therefore, patients with polycystic ovary syndrome often suffer from infertility. The use of medication to reduce androgens, stimulate ovarian ovulation, control insulin resistance, combined with weight loss, can lead to the resumption of ovulation in the ovaries, thus allowing natural conception in polycystic ovary syndrome.

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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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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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Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a lifelong disease and is incurable. The causes of this disease are not very clear at present, but are mostly related to environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, it is important to exercise regularly and maintain a normal weight. Generally, the problem is not very serious, but if there is a severe endocrine disorder, it must be addressed, especially in women of childbearing age who experience irregular menstruation or infertility. It is necessary to check the endocrine system and regulate menstruation and promote ovulation based on the endocrine results. If there is a desire to conceive, oral contraceptives can be taken followed by treatments to regulate menstruation and promote ovulation. If there is no desire to conceive, menstruation should occur at least once every two months to avoid endometrial abnormalities.