According to the organization, ovarian syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders that affect women of reproductive age. This condition affects an estimated 8-13% of women of reproductive age.
It is estimated that up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed, meaning millions of women may not realize they have it.
Ovarian syndrome, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is associated with a variety of long-term health problems that affect physical and emotional health.
Ovarian syndrome tends to be hereditary, but its symptoms and impact can vary across different ethnic groups.
Symptoms of PCOS can vary widely between individuals, but there are some key indicators to look out for. These symptoms can also develop over time and may appear for no apparent reason.
If you develop signs and symptoms of ovarian syndrome, these signs and symptoms will usually become evident in your late teens or early twenties. They may include:
– Irregular menstrual cycle or no menstrual cycle at all
– Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation
– Excess hair growth (hypertrichosis), usually on the face, chest, back, or buttocks
– Weight gain
– Hair loss and thinning of hair on the head
– Oily skin or acne
Ovarian syndrome is also associated with an increased risk of health problems later in life, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
Ovarian syndrome is diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the following symptoms:
– Signs or symptoms of high androgen levels. High levels of androgen may lead to increased growth of facial and body hair, and sometimes, severe acne and male pattern baldness can appear.
– Irregular or absent menstrual cycle, after ruling out other causes.
– Polycystic ovary syndrome on ultrasound examination
Blood tests can detect specific changes in hormone levels, but these changes can vary from one woman to another. For example, women with polycystic ovary syndrome often show higher hormone levels of testosterone, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, insulin, and anti-Müllerian hormone.
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome?
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is still unclear, but it tends to be hereditary. It is linked to irregular hormonal levels in the body, especially high insulin levels.
Many women with the syndrome suffer from insulin resistance, which causes them to produce more insulin to compensate.
This situation can lead to increased production and activity of hormones such as testosterone. In addition, being overweight or obese can increase insulin production in the body.
Although there is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, symptoms can be managed effectively, as medications are available to treat problems such as excessive hair growth and irregular menstrual cycle.
If fertility medications don’t produce results, a minimally invasive surgical option known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be suggested. This procedure uses heat or laser technology to target and remove ovarian tissue that produces androgens, including testosterone.
For those with the syndrome who are overweight, eating a healthy, balanced diet and losing weight can help relieve some of the symptoms.
With proper treatment, many women with PCOS can get pregnant successfully.
Source: Express
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