Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common disease that affects women during adolescence and reproductive age. What is the main cause behind this disease?
Finally.. How can polycystic ovary syndrome be treated?
This topic carries with it many questions, so - dear Eve - today we answer all the questions related to polycystic ovary syndrome treatment and pregnancy, and we also show you the most prominent signs that warn you of the presence of ovarian cysts.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Before discussing the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy, you must know that polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which vesicles or fluid-filled sacs of varying size grow on the surface of one or both ovaries, which negatively affects the efficiency of the ovaries’ work in producing eggs and releasing them into the fallopian tube.
Statistics in the United States of America indicate that the problem of polycystic ovaries affects one out of every ten women of reproductive age.
Rest assured!
Also learn about: Causes of polycystic ovary syndrome in detail
How is polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosed?
Before starting the treatment plan for polycystic ovary syndrome, the woman undergoes a series of diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of polycystic ovary cysts.
At the beginning of the scheduled visit to the obstetrician and gynecologist, the woman undergoes a set of physical and imaging examinations to treat polycystic ovary cysts and pregnancy, including:
Take a medical history
The doctor asks about the dates of the menstrual cycle to check its regularity.
Clinical examination
The doctor looks for some visual signs that indicate the possibility of polycystic ovary syndrome, such as the spread of acne on the face and the presence of excess hair in the chin area, in order to determine treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy.
تحاليل الدم
In order to treat polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy, the doctor asks the woman to undergo some blood tests to measure the level of:
- Hormones in the blood.
- Glucose.
- Triglycerides.
Ultrasound (ultrasound or sonar)
The ultrasound device emits ultrasound waves to give a detailed image of the body tissues to be examined, and displays that image on an external screen. The ultrasound test is an imaging test that the doctor uses to detect the condition of the ovaries and determine the degree and number of cysts, in addition to evaluating the thickness of the uterine lining to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Read also: Damage of polycystic ovary syndrome
Methods of treating polycystic ovary syndrome
1- العلاج الدوائي
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Menstrual regulators:
Such as combined birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone, to regulate menstrual cycle times, and reduce excess hair growth and acne by reducing the production of androgens (male hormones).
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Insulin resistance medications
Such as Metoformin to improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, which helps reduce the levels of insulin produced by the body, reduce blood sugar, improve ovulation and regulate hormones.
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Medications to reduce excess hair and acne
Like spironolactone, it is a medication used to reduce the effects of excess male hormones. It is useful in reducing the growth of thick hair in unusual places (face, chest), reducing new acne. It is usually taken with contraceptives to reduce the side effects associated with it.
2- Surgical intervention
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Laparoscopic ovarian drilling
This surgery is performed laparoscopically, which is a simple intervention that makes small holes in the ovary using electric current or a laser.
3- Changing lifestyle
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Losing excess weight
Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can make a difference in menstrual regularity, reducing insulin resistance, and reducing Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome.
- Healthy diet
It is recommended to follow a diet that contains low amounts of carbohydrates and sugars, foods rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits with peels, whole grains), healthy proteins (such as fish and legumes), and healthy fats (such as olive oil, avocado). The diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
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Regular exercise
Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, reduce weight, and enhance psychological well-being. It is recommended to do brisk walking, swimming, or resistance exercises for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
5- Modern treatments and supplements
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Removing excess hair using advanced methods
Laser and electrolysis are effective options for getting rid of unwanted hair. They are best performed in specialized medical centers to obtain relatively safe and permanent results.
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Useful nutritional supplements
1- Inositol: It is similar in composition to vitamin B. It helps reduce insulin resistance and regulate hormones.
2- Omega 3: It reduces inflammation and improves hormone function. It is available in fish oil supplements or some foods.
3- Vitamin D: Its deficiency is common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. It helps support ovarian function and hormonal balance.
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Psychological support and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Stress and depression may be common due to hormonal changes and physical appearance. Psychotherapy (especially CBT) helps improve mood, manage stress, build a healthy relationship with oneself, and commit to a healthy lifestyle.
How long does polycystic ovary syndrome treatment take?
The duration of treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome varies from one case to another, and treatment is often long-term and depends on alleviating symptoms and achieving goals:
- Initial improvement in menstrual regulation, relief of skin symptoms, weight loss, and insulin resistance is most likely seen within 2 to 6 months.
- The results of laser and cosmetic treatment for excess hair appear after 4 to 8 regular sessions, and may require annual or semi-annual sessions.
- The results of surgery are the fastest, as they appear within one to three months, but its effect may not last for more than a year or two, and symptoms may return.
The full duration of treatment depends on the body's response, and ranges from several months to years.
You may be interested in: Symptoms of uterine and ovarian cancer
How does polycystic ovary syndrome go down?
- Losing excess weight helps reduce insulin resistance and regulate hormones.
- Follow a healthy diet by reducing sugars and starches, and increasing fiber and protein.
- Exercise regularly, such as walking or aerobic exercise, to improve metabolism.
- Taking hormone-regulating medications, such as birth control pills or metformin, to regulate the cycle and reduce androgens.
- Regular medical follow-up to evaluate improvement and adjust the treatment plan according to the case.
- Surgical intervention in some cases, such as laparoscopic perforation of the ovary, if other treatments do not succeed.
Complications of polycystic ovary syndrome
Without treating polycystic ovary syndrome, obtaining the necessary medical follow-up, and ignoring the symptoms, the symptoms increase, and the risk of complications increases, such as:
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Type 2 diabetes:
Polycystic ovary syndrome is directly linked to the body's resistance to insulin, and in the long run it stresses the pancreas and leads to the development of type 2 diabetes.
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Chronic high blood pressure:
Especially in women with obesity or insulin resistance, as insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance cause blood vessel tension and sodium retention.
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Cardiovascular diseases:
As a result of high harmful cholesterol and low beneficial cholesterol, fat deposition in the arteries increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.
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Chronic obesity and difficulty losing weight:
Due to hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance, which leads to the accumulation of fat, especially around the abdomen, which increases the risk of other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
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Sleep apnea syndrome:
Weight gain and fat distribution around the neck and chest cause narrowing of the airway during sleep.
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Endometrial hyperplasia:
Due to the absence of ovulation for long periods, the hormone progesterone, which helps clean the uterine lining, is not secreted, so estrogen accumulates unbalanced, causing enlargement of the uterine lining, which in turn may lead to an increased risk of endometrial cancer over time.
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Long-term psychological disorders:
Such as depression, general anxiety, and disturbed body image due to appearance changes and the body’s resistance to treatment.
Tips to prevent polycystic ovary syndrome
- Maintaining a healthy weight, as moderate weight contributes to balancing hormones and regulating the cycle.
- Follow a balanced diet, limit your intake of sugars, sweets, and nutritional drinks, and eat more foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, and proteins.
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day of physical activity, 5 times a week, to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce stress.
- Reducing stress and stress, try relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or yoga to maintain hormone balance.
- Regulating sleep schedules, from 7 to 9 hours at night. Irregular and insufficient sleep affects the secretion of hormones.
- Monitor your menstrual cycle regularly, record its dates, and go for an examination immediately if it is late.
- Regular examination if there is a family history. If the mother or sister has polycystic ovary syndrome, early follow-up with a gynecologist is important.
- Avoid harmful eating habits, such as fast food, processed foods, or excessive caffeine.
Frequently asked questions
Does polycystic ovary syndrome affect fertility?
Of course, polycystic ovary syndrome affects a woman’s fertility significantly, and this is due to many reasons, including:
- Ovulation disorder: With polycystic ovary syndrome, eggs are not produced naturally and regularly, which leads to difficulty getting pregnant because there are no eggs suitable for fertilization.
- The formation of cysts on the surface of the ovaries, which impedes the movement of eggs and sperm, which negatively affects the fertilization process.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome is linked to an imbalance in the secretion of sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which is an imbalance that affects fertility and the ovulation process.
- Cysts lead to increased insulin resistance, and thus fertility problems.
Despite the negative effects on women's fertility, this problem can be overcome through drug treatment to regulate hormones and ovulation, surgical treatment to remove cysts or reduce their size, and the use of artificial fertilization techniques.
What foods should be avoided for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome?
There are a number of foods that it is preferable to avoid or reduce their intake for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, the most important of which are simple sugars, white bread, white rice, or French potatoes. These foods quickly increase the blood sugar level, which increases insulin resistance.
You should also avoid eating foods rich in saturated fats, such as red meat, full-fat dairy products, and butter, which are foods that increase inflammation. Also, be sure to avoid drinking alcohol, as it promotes weight gain and insulin resistance, and can affect the secretion of hormones.
Make sure to avoid soft drinks and sweetened juices, which increase blood sugar levels and weight gain.
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should eat, instead of the aforementioned foods, foods rich in fiber such as vegetables and fruits, eat healthy protein sources such as lean meat and legumes, and eat healthy fats, including fish and vegetable oils, with the importance of eating low-fat dairy products.
Can polycystic ovary syndrome be cured without treatment?
No, polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be completely cured without treatment, but the condition can be significantly improved and symptoms reduced by following a healthy lifestyle such as weight loss, exercise, and a balanced diet.
