With PCO syndrome, women go through a so-called “masculinization”. Their hormonal balance is disturbed by the increased production of male hormones, which is why they sometimes have to struggle with a lot of body hair and a deeper voice – symptoms that can cause a high level of suffering. Many women also suffer from being overweight, since the body usually cannot absorb insulin properly in PCOS. The cause of the syndrome is still unclear.
Here you will find important information about the PCO syndrome.
What is PCO Syndrome?
PCO syndrome is a hormonal disorder. According to the medical encyclopedia MSD manual A number of fluid-filled cysts form in the ovaries – hence the name “polycystic ovary syndrome”. “Poly” comes from the Greek and means “many” or “many”. As a result, the ovaries swell. PCO syndrome is the most common cause of infertility and also the most common hormonal disorder in women between the ages of 15 and 49. About five to ten percent of hormone disorders can be traced back to the PCO syndrome. Affected people have a hard time getting pregnant because ovulation doesn’t happen regularly like that University of Bonn writes.
Causes of PCOS Syndrome
“The cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome is not clear,” says Joann V. Pinkerton’s article in the MSD Manual. Those affected produce more male hormones than usual. This could be due to a specific enzyme responsible for the production of male hormones, at least some evidence suggests so. However, the exact cause has not yet been scientifically clarified. It is also suspected that DNA plays a role, as PCO syndrome sometimes occurs more frequently in affected families.
Those affected often suffer from obesity due to what is known as “peripheral insulin resistance”. Many cells in the body are resistant to insulin, which is why the sugar accumulates in the blood and the pancreas produces too much insulin at the same time. Diabetes is diagnosed when there is moderate to severe insulin resistance, but not all women with PCO have diabetes at the same time. However, the risk of developing it is increased in those affected.
What are the symptoms of the PCO syndrome?
The symptoms of PCO syndrome are very individual and usually develop during puberty. Those affected may have irregular periods because ovulation rarely occurs. Due to the high number of male hormones, the following symptoms are expressed according to the MSD Manual:
- acne
- deeper voice
- overweight
- infertility
- smaller chest
- bigger muscles
- more body hair
- Skin in armpits and at the base of the neck may darken
In addition, women with PCO syndrome have an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. There is no cure for PCO syndrome, but the symptoms can be treated. According to the medical information portal MOOCI the “masculinization” in particular is very stressful for those affected.
Can the PCO syndrome be treated?
Since it is a hormonal disorder, the symptoms of menopause can even subside on their own. According to the University of Bonn, women who do not wish to have children can be prescribed a baby pill beforehand. Thanks to the estrogens it contains, the production of male sex hormones can be inhibited. This makes periods regular and symptoms such as increased hairiness can be reduced.
A change in diet and exercise can also alleviate the symptoms of PCO syndrome. According to the MSD Manual, women who want to have children are advised to reduce their weight – even if this method is not a guarantee of success. Otherwise, drugs to stimulate ovulation can be administered.
Life expectancy with PCO syndrome: Symptoms can be treated well
PCO syndrome is a chronic disease that accompanies women throughout their lives, as the MOOCI writes. Nevertheless, the symptoms can usually be treated well. However, if the hormonal balance is disturbed, the risk of cardiovascular diseases increases. The risk of cervical cancer is also increased.
The earlier the PCO syndrome is recognized, the “fewer long-term consequences the disease has,” writes gynecologist Dr. Simone Hermanns im MOOCI.
Diagnosis: This is how the PCO syndrome is recognized
According to the University of Bonn, two of the following three criteria must be met to diagnose PCO syndrome:
- oligo- or amenorrhea: Menstrual cycle disorders that lead to irregular periods.
- hyperandrogenemia or Hyperandrogenism: At hyperandrogenemia are more male in the blood count hormones available. Hyperandrogenism is a male appearance with increased hair and hair loss on the head.
- Polycystic ovaries: Many small follicular cysts can be seen on ultrasound.
A blood test is used to check whether hormone levels are abnormal. An ultrasound is done to check the ovaries for cysts.