The harms of polycystic ovary syndrome may seem simple at first, but behind them they hide a series of effects that affect women’s health, beauty, and femininity.
At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, integrated medical care for cases of polycystic ovary syndrome is provided through the Women’s Health Center, which is equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, and is provided by a team of experienced and internationally accredited obstetricians and gynecologists, to achieve the best treatment results within a humane and professional environment.
Damage of polycystic ovary syndrome
1- Hormonal imbalance
- High male hormones (androgens) and low progesterone.
- It leads to disruption of all processes related to the menstrual cycle, ovulation, skin, and hair.
2- Insulin resistance
- The body is affected by poor cell response to insulin, which raises blood sugar levels.
- It is considered a possible beginning of a metabolic disorder.
3- Accumulation of immature eggs in the ovary
- This is reflected in the form of small cysts on the ovaries that prevent the release of mature eggs.
- This buildup disrupts normal ovarian function and impairs fertility.
4- Poor egg quality
- Even when ovulation occurs, the eggs are often not mature enough for good fertilization.
- Which leads to decreased chances of pregnancy or repeated fertilization failure.
5- Disorder in the secretion of LH and FSH
- Which leads to immaturity of the egg or poor ovulation.
- It causes a disruption in the natural ovarian cycle.
6- Disturbances of metabolic processes (metabolism)
- It causes an imbalance in the distribution of fat in the body.
- It leads to high harmful cholesterol and accumulation of fat around the abdomen.
7- Direct effect on the uterine lining
- In the absence of ovulation, the uterine lining continues to accumulate without a regular menstrual cycle.
- This increases its thickness, and may later cause overgrowth or problems with the uterus.
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Complications of polycystic ovary syndrome
Ovarian agenesis may initially be just a hormonal imbalance, but if it is not treated appropriately, it may lead to a range of complications that affect a woman’s health in the short and long term.
First: short-term complications
These complications may appear within a few months of the start of the hormonal disorder, especially if the condition is not diagnosed or not treated appropriately.
1- A clear defect in ovulation
Although some women may notice that they still get their period, ovulation itself may be irregular or not occur at all.
- Difficulty getting pregnant even with a regular cycle.
- Poor egg quality.
- The need for early therapeutic intervention to assist in reproduction.
2- Rapid weight gain and difficulty controlling it
The insulin imbalance resulting from PCOS leads to:
- Fat accumulation, especially in the abdominal area.
- The body's resistance to weight loss even with diet and exercise.
- Disturbances in combustion and energy processes.
3- Worsening of the psychological condition
Hormonal disturbances directly affect the mood centers in the brain, leading to:
- Severe mood swings.
- Severe mood attacks.
- Anxiety and depression attacks.
4- Significant appearance of male symptoms
As male hormones (androgens) rise, some masculine traits begin to appear, such as:
- Increased facial and body hair (upper lip, chin, chest).
- Dense and stubborn acne.
- Hair becomes coarse and falls out from the front of the head in a manner similar to male pattern baldness.
5- Early signs of insulin resistance
It is one of the hallmarks of polycystic ovary syndrome, and includes:
- Constant fatigue after eating.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Excessive desire to eat sugar.
- The appearance of dark pigmentation in the skin (especially the neck and underarms).
Second: long-term complications
If the condition continues untreated for years, it may lead to serious health complications involving various systems of the body:
1- Infertility or persistent difficulty conceiving
Repeated cycles without ovulation lead to decreased fertility, and it often requires:
- Hormonal treatment to stimulate ovaries.
- Interventions such as artificial insemination or ICSI in some cases.
2- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes
As insulin resistance worsens, the body is unable to handle sugar properly, leading to:
- Diabetes developed years later.
- Permanent increase in cumulative blood sugar.
- Problems with nerves, eyes and blood vessels.
3- Increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
Metabolic imbalance increases the risk of:
- High cholesterol and triglycerides.
- arteriosclerosis.
- Chronic high blood pressure.
4- Increased risk of endometrial cancer
In the absence of ovulation, progesterone is not secreted sufficiently, which leads to:
- Persistent enlargement of the uterine lining.
- They turn into abnormal cells in some cases.
5- Fatty liver
Often associated with insulin resistance and obesity:
- It develops silently without symptoms.
- It may lead to hepatitis and functional problems in the long term.
What happens if polycystic ovary syndrome is not treated?
Recent studies have indicated the harmful effects of polycystic ovary cysts on women, and it has been said that ignoring the treatment plan causes a number of health problems, as 50% of women develop type 2 diabetes, and this happens before they exceed the age of forty, and some of them develop heart disease and others develop high blood pressure.
Damage of polycystic ovary syndrome I revealed it Al Mousa Health Hospital It is the best integrated hospital for treatment in Al-Ahsa. It is a teaching hospital medically accredited by the Saudi Commission and its work team includes more than 3,000 doctors and nurses. It is noteworthy that most cases of ovarian cysts disappear without receiving treatment, and this happens within a few months. There are other cases in which ovarian cysts become twisted or ruptured.
When should you go to the doctor immediately?
You should go to the doctor immediately when some signs or symptoms appear that may indicate a worsening condition of polycystic ovary syndrome or the presence of other health problems that require urgent intervention, such as:
- Absence of menstruation for more than 3 months. Especially if it was irregular before, it may indicate a severe hormonal imbalance or an increase in the thickness of the uterine lining.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that continues for several days. It is abnormal and requires immediate evaluation to determine the cause.
- Severe and persistent pain in the pelvis or one side of the abdomen. It may indicate a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion, which are emergency situations.
- Sudden and rapid weight gain for no apparent reason. It may be associated with severe insulin resistance or advanced hormonal disorder.
- Unusual acceleration or disturbance in hair growth.Such as the growth of thick hair on the chin or abdomen within a short period.
- Failure to get pregnant after 6-12 months of trying. Especially with indications of ovulation or menstrual disorders.
- Symptoms of high blood sugar or insulin resistance. Such as constant thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, or darkening of the neck and underarms.
- Deterioration of psychological state: severe anxiety, depression, or mood disorderIt may be related to the effect of hormones on the brain and requires follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prohibited food for polycystic ovary syndrome?
It is preferable to avoid foods rich in sugars and refined carbohydrates, as well as fast food.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome lead to infertility?
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome may cause difficulty in getting pregnant (temporary infertility), but it does not mean permanent infertility.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome cause psychological problems?
Yes, polycystic ovary syndrome causes psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, and low self-confidence, due to hormonal imbalance and the impact of the symptoms on daily life.
Can damage be reduced with early treatment?
Yes, early treatment can significantly reduce harm, such as menstrual irregularity, weight gain, difficulty getting pregnant, and future complications such as diabetes and infertility.
Medical sources
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