Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It causes menstrual irregularities and often also prevents the woman from falling pregnant. Typical symptoms include male-pattern hair growth/loss, acne and oily skin. Sufferers are also often overweight. Aiming for a normal weight is recommended for both prevention and improvement of the condition.

Symptoms

• Menstrual irregularities
  • Missing or infrequent periods
  • Missing or infrequent ovulation
  • Difficulty getting pregnant
• Signs of elevated male hormone levels
  • Male hair pattern
  • Acne, oily skin
  • Hair loss
• Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X)
  • Overweight/obesity (can also occur with normal weight)
  • Sugar metabolism and lipid metabolism disorders
  • Sometimes diabetes

Causes and treatment

Cause

• Definition: syndrome of many (poly) cysts in the ovary
  • Cyst = cavity/blister filled with fluid
• Insulin metabolism disorder (too much insulin in the blood)
  • Shifts and imbalances in the release of hormones
  • Elevated male hormone levels
  • Follicles in ovaries don't mature properly

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Blood test (measurement of hormone concentrations)
• Ultrasound (sonography) of the ovaries

Possible therapies

• Reduce overweight
• Contraceptive pill with progesterone (to regulate the menstrual cycle)
• Cortisone
• Medication to lower blood sugar
• Fertility treatment
• If not planning to have children: suppression of male hormones

What can I do myself?

• Aim for normal weight
  • Healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
• If patient still wants children:
  • Reduce stress
  • Stop taking the pill
  • Unprotected intercourse at least 2x/week

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

• Menstrual irregularities
  • Missing periods (always or new)
  • Irregular menstrual cycle
  • etc.
• Male hair pattern
• Desire for hormonal contraception
• Difficulty getting pregnant
  • After one year (in spite of unprotected intercourse at least 2x/week)
  • In combination with: overweight, acne
• Changes in urinary output (volume, frequency, colour)
• Increased feelings of hunger and thirst

Synonyms

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), PCOS, PCO syndrome, Stein-Leventhal syndrome, chronic hyperandrogenemic anovulation, CHA