Polycystic ovary syndrome is common but underdiagnosed. However, early diagnosis allows better care for those affected.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by hormonal imbalance.
- It manifests itself in menstrual and fertility problems, acne, excess weight and even hirsutism.
- Treatments help reduce symptoms and reduce the risk of associated pathology.
One in ten women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). According to’World Health Organization, up to 70% of affected women are not diagnosed. To improve diagnosis and treatment, Canadian scientists publish an article aimed at health professionals in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
As a preamble, these specialists point out that this disorder affects women of childbearing age. It is the consequence of a hormonal imbalance, the origin of which is ovarian or ” central “, or at the level of the brain, according to Inserm. “It causes excessive production of androgens, particularly testosterone, usually produced in small quantities in the female body.develops the institute. This results in an increase in the level of testosterone in the blood of the women concerned.
It causes fertility problems, even infertility, miscarriages and can cause complications during pregnancy. Furthermore, people with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese (53% to 74%) than those without PCOS, and a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with more serious symptoms of the syndrome. “Its long-term health consequences include hypertension, cancer risks, and metabolic and psychological impacts.”, develop the Canadian authors. They believe that early diagnosis improves the chances of identifying and treating disorders associated with the syndrome such as hypertension, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, depression and anxiety.
How to diagnose PCOS?
Scientists cite the most used tool for diagnosing PCOS: the Rotterdam criteria. “The diagnosis of PCOS can be made based on the presence of 2 menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism or polycystic ovarian morphology on transvaginal ultrasound., they specify. Concerning menstrual irregularities, this can be short cycles, less than 21 days, or long, more than 35 days, a low number of cycles per year (less than eight) or if more than three years have passed since the first menstruation in young women. Hyperandrogenism can manifest itself in different ways: hirsutism, acne or even alopecia, hair loss.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: what is the treatment?
“Polycystic ovary syndrome can be treated effectively, and early diagnosis can allow close monitoring and preventive care“, estimates the main author of this work, Dr. Ebernella Shirin Dason, researcher in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Sinai Health System, in Toronto, Ontario. Treatment of the syndrome can take different forms: taking a contraceptive to reduce symptoms or to reduce androgen excess, support for weight loss, etc. On this last point, the authors warn: “Clinicians should be particularly sensitive to weight stigma, as PCOS patients are at risk for dysmorphic body image and eating disorders.”. In any case, they hope that this work will “raise awareness about PCOS” and that they will help “clinicians to diagnose and manage this disorder”.