It polycysteus-ovariumsyndroom (PCOS) is a common condition that affects the functioning of a woman's ovaries. Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles that are up to 8 mm in size. The follicles are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. In PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, so ovulation does not occur.
These are the 3 main features of PCOS
- Irregular periods - your ovaries do not release eggs regularly (ovulation).
- Excess androgen - high(er) levels of "male" hormones in your body, which can cause physical signs such as excessive facial or body hair
- Polycystic ovaries - your ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs.
What Are the Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
If you have signs and symptoms of PCOS, they usually become apparent during your late teens or early twenties.
They can consist of:
- Irregular periods or no periods at all.
- Difficulty getting pregnant due to irregular ovulation or no ovulation.
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) - usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks.
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair and hair loss on the head
- Oily skin or acne
Is There a Treatment for PCOS?
COS cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be treated. Talk to your doctor if you think you have the condition to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
If you have PCOS and are overweight, losing weight and eating a healthy, balanced diet can improve some symptoms. This is because PCOS is usually linked to abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high insulin levels. Being overweight or obese increases the amount of insulin your body produces.
Medications are also available to treat symptoms such as excessive hair growth, menstrual irregularities, and fertility problems.
If fertility drugs are not effective, a simple surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) may be recommended.
This uses heat or a laser to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that produces androgens, such as testosterone.
With treatment, most women with PCOS can become pregnant.
Always contact your doctor if you are unsure about your symptoms.
Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/ - https://www.thuisarts.nl/