Understanding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• PCOS is a disorder affecting hormones in women of childbearing age
• Ovaries are enlarged due to multiple cyst formations
• Exact causes are unknown but some predispositions are linked to its incidence
• Symptoms can include obesity, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, infertility (recurrent miscarriages), anovulation, and acne related to hyperandrogenism.

PCOS Hormones

• PCOS involves hormone imbalances, including:
  • Elevated testosterone levels (though women normally produce small amounts)
  • Elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, potentially affecting ovulation negatively if too high
  • Low or decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels
  • Insulin resistance

Causes of PCOS

• Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are key causes of hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
• Obesity can worsen these hormonal imbalances, increasing the incidence of menstrual irregularities and hirsutism in obese women with PCOS.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis involves a hormonal blood test:
  • Measuring androgen levels and free androgen index (FAI) to identify hyperandrogenism
  • Measuring estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels.
• Ultrasound can check for cyst formation

Management

• Infertility/Pregnancy:
  • Rule out other infertility causes (like tubal adhesions or endometriosis) before treatment
  • Medical management (like Glucophage) to reduce insulin resistance and promote ovulation
  • Surgical management (ovulation induction) might be considered
  • Consider Artificial cycle through COC for 21 days followed by a 7-day break.
  • Hysterectomy may be used in older patients.
• Hirsutism:
  • Often managed with combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
• Obesity:
  • Management strategies include low-calorie diets and exercise
  • Additional help may include antidiabetic drugs, and/or electro-lipolysis

Exercise Recommendations for PCOS

• Exercise training sessions along with a low-calorie diet can be beneficial
• Dietary changes include low-calorie diets and specific medications like antidiabetic drugs.
• Electro-lipolysis may also be used as part of treatment.

This quiz focuses on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), its hormone imbalances, symptoms, and potential causes. Learn about the role of insulin resistance, obesity, and the various hormonal changes that affect women with PCOS. Test your knowledge on this common disorder affecting women's health.