Polycystic ovary syndrome, which starts at a younger age due to the cosmetic problems and infertility it causes and grows in size and shape with different problems added in married life, continues to exist as a complex disease that has started to concern many branches today with the disorders it causes in insulin metabolism.
Important symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:
Menstrual irregularity : This is the most common symptom and is characterized by delayed or absent menstruation. These women have 8 or fewer periods per year. This indicates that ovulation occurs irregularly. Irregular menstruation leads to irregular thickening of the lining of the uterus called endometrium, which increases the risk of cancer.
Infertility : Women with P.O:S constitute almost half of the patients admitted to various centers for infertility. Insufficient growth of the egg and the absence of ovulation prevent conception.
Increased Hair Growth (Hirsutism) : An increase in unwanted hair is an important symptom that causes psychological distress in almost every age group in women. Naturally existing light colored fine hairs tend to turn dark black and thicken due to imbalance in male hormones. Mostly mustache, beard, hair growth on the chest, thickening and proliferation of hair on the arms, legs and abdomen are detected. In the treatment, drug therapy should be used in combination with the prevention of new hair growth and the removal of hair that has grown by physical methods (such as laser hair removal). It is very important for the success of the treatment that patients are warned that medication will only be effective after 6 months.
Acne : It is an important cosmetic problem on the face, chest and back. Acne, especially in older ages, is a very typical symptom.
Weight Gain : The majority of these patients struggle to lose weight or maintain their weight. Fat accumulation is more common in the waist and abdomen than in the hips. This is a natural consequence of the underlying impaired sugar and insulin metabolism. Reducing carbohydrate consumption in the diet program, performing a regular exercise program and reviewing the patient’s lifestyle are absolutely necessary for the patient to lose weight.
Skin-Skin Problems : Acanthosis nigrans is the blackening of the neck, groin and armpit areas, usually caused by an imbalance in insulin metabolism.
Depression-Anxiety: Hormonal disorders or problems caused by cosmetics can lead to infertility, and psychological distress as a result of infertility can cause these patients to keep themselves away from society, leading to sexual reluctance, guilt and hopelessness.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed by detailed physical examination, ultrasonography and blood hormone analysis, and prevents cosmetic problems, expectations of having children and metabolic problems that may occur in later life. The main purpose of this article is to motivate patients or those who suspect the disease to perform a self-test in a question-and-answer format so that they can make their own diagnosis.
– 8 or fewer menstrual periods in a year
– Irregular menstruation for more than 10 days
– Intermediate bleeding
– Infertility
– Late-onset acne
– Excessive hair growth
– Hair loss
– Spotting in the neck, groin and armpit
– Overweight
– Sudden weight gain
– Feeling hungry between meals
– Diabetes
– Family history of diabetes
– Migraine
– Depression-anxiety
If you answer yes to 5 or more of these questions, you may have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. We encourage you to seek medical help as soon as possible.