Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disease of the ovaries that affects the hormonal system. These hormonal changes can be extremely stressful for affected women. They experience severe cosmetic symptoms and may be infertile.
Find out more about PCOS, the symptoms and treatment here - you can also find selected doctors for PCOS!
PCOS refers to the formation of ovarian cysts, i.e. water-filled blisters (cysts) on the ovaries. They appear there in a string of pearls.
As a result, the hormonal balance is disturbed. As a result, an excessive amount of male sex hormones are produced, which causes the typical symptoms. The male sex hormones in question are testosterone from the androgen group.
The disease occurs in women of childbearing age. Worldwide, the incidence in this group of people is estimated at five to twelve percent. The changes to the ovaries usually begin during puberty. However, symptoms often do not appear until the age of 20 to 30.
Ovarian cysts can develop during puberty and then regress again. They lead to a so-called temporary multicystic ovary syndrome.
The body's own hormone system is subject to a complicated regulatory cycle. Small changes lead to massive disturbances in the hormonal balance, which can upset the entire metabolism.
The anatomy of the uterus © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
The exact cause of the development of PCOS is not yet known for certain. As a familial clustering of the condition can be observed, experts suspect a genetic component.
Risk factors that favor the occurrence of PCOS include
A large proportion of affected women suffer from obesity. PCOS promotes insulin secretion and therefore the development of insulin resistance. This in turn increases the release of male sex hormones and thus the PCOS-related symptoms.
The following symptoms can occur as a result of PCOS:
In women with PCOS, the menstrual cycle is impaired: It can lead to
may occur. In the latter case, the woman is infertile.
The excess of male hormones leads to increasing"masculinization". In hirsutism, the woman develops a male-typical type of hair, which is characterized, for example, by
is associated.
Virilism includes, among other things
If any of the above symptoms apply to you, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. In particular, if there are known cases of PCOS in your family, you could also be affected.
It is only possible to get the hormonal disorder under control by taking appropriate therapeutic measures. Otherwise, there is a risk of various secondary diseases and complications:
Drug treatment is not only important for the physical health of affected women, but also for their mental health. Patients often suffer enormously, especially from the visually visible changes.
PCOS falls under the specialist field of general gynecology. You should therefore consult a gynecologist.
During your examination appointment, the doctor will first take a detailed preliminary report, the medical history. This includes asking various questions about your symptoms and their development. He will also ask you about any cases of PCOS in your family.
The diagnosis of PCOS is subject to the three "Rotterdam criteria":
Only two of the three "Rotterdam criteria" are required for the diagnosis of PCOS. This means that it can be diagnosed without the presence of cysts in the ovaries.
The diagnosis of PCOS is currently still a diagnosis of exclusion, i.e. it is made when other diseases have been ruled out.
Symptoms such as an increasingly male hair type are sometimes already clear. However, the gynecologist usually carries out a few other special examinations, first and foremost an ultrasound of the ovaries. Although cysts on the ovaries are common, they are not always present and do not allow a "reliable diagnosis" of PCOS.
In case of doubt, a blood test is also carried out. This checks the blood sugar and blood lipid levels as well as the concentration of sex hormones. An excess of testosterone or androgens is a sign that PCOS is present.
PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be treated: the symptoms can be significantly alleviated with medication and by optimizing the diet and lifestyle.
Taking the contraceptive pill ("pill") has a stabilizing effect on the cycle. The pill helps with PCOS because it has an anti-androgenic effect. It therefore leads to a regular cycle and counteracts oligomenorrhea.
If you are trying to conceive, your gynecologist will prescribe medication to stimulate the ovaries instead. This will cause the previously absent ovulation to occur. Make sure you take the medication exactly as instructed. Regular ultrasound checks are also necessary. An overdose can sometimes lead to water retention or a multiple pregnancy.
Depending on your individual symptoms, you will be given additional medication, such as an antidiabetic drug. This breaks the vicious circle caused by insulin resistance.
In addition to drug therapy, a reduction diet is strongly recommended in the case of obesity. In general, a balanced diet and regular exercise effectively help to stabilize the cycle.
In some cases, surgery is advisable. This is performed laparoscopically, i.e. via laparoscopy. During the procedure, the surgeon destroys the cysts by applying heat locally.
With the help of well-adjusted medication and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible for affected women to lead a normal life and even become pregnant.
However, the risk of miscarriage and other pregnancy complications is higher in PCOS patients than in healthy women.
Regular check-ups by a gynecologist are particularly important for PCOS. For example, the doctor can detect gestational diabetes and multiple pregnancies in good time and act accordingly.
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