Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a metabolic syndrome that can greatly affect female fertility. It tends to appear as early as adolescence and is usually diagnosed during gynecological ultrasound. Essentially, it is a syndrome that affects ovarian function, while it is not excluded that it is also associated with metabolic disorders.

What are the causes of PCOS?

It is not clear what causes PCOS. In most cases, it seems to be linked to hereditary factors. For this, a woman with a hereditary predisposition is important to be checked at an early age. Of course, it has been proven that those suffering from the syndrome have excessive insulin production and excess androgens.

What are the symptoms?

Women who suffer from the syndrome usually experience hair growth, acne, problems with their weight and menstrual cycle. One of the main characteristics of the syndrome is period disorders, i.e. menstruation is unstable and sparse in time (sparse menorrhea). Finally, women with this syndrome are diagnosed with polycystic ovarian texture ultrasound.

Complications that may arise from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Common complications commonly associated with this syndrome include:

• Obesity
• Cardiovascular problems
• Type II diabetes mellitus
• Endometrial cancer

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis can be made in a simple way. The doctor collects the patient's medical history and examines the possibility of a family predisposition. Then follows the clinical examination.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is diagnosed during ultrasound examination performed either for preventive reasons or as part of fertility investigation. The doctor may then recommend additional blood tests. Thus, any increased amounts of androgens or high cholesterol values are detected.

How is PCOS linked to infertility?

The most serious complication of the syndrome for women wishing to have children is the infertility problems that arise. This occurs due to the non-determination of the woman's ovulation in time and, usually, due to poor egg quality.

Can the syndrome be cured?

The gynecologist will assess the situation and taking into account the particular needs of the patient, will suggest the appropriate treatment. The first stage of treatment is aerobic exercise and weight loss (in case of increased BMI). This is followed by medication either by administering forming or taking contraceptives. Finally, there are various formulations that can improve egg quality.

Depending on the needs of each woman, the doctor adjusts the treatment protocol. For example, in cases of infertility, the fertility specialist will suggest to the patient various assisted reproduction treatments. So, it can follow:

Induction of ovulation through administration of hormones (gonadotropins)

IUI Intrauterine Insemination

IVF

Fertility specialist Dr. Athanasios  Papanicolaou undertakes to discover the root cause that stands in the way of infertility. Thus, if during fertility investigation polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed, it takes all necessary measures to offer ideal solutions. The doctor has many years of experience in IVF and is a scientific associate of IASO Maternity Clinic. In fact, she is a specialized member of the Institute of Life Assisted Reproduction Center. Contact us and schedule your own appointment with the doctor!