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It occurs frequently but is rarely diagnosed: the number of unreported cases of women with PCOS syndrome is said to be high.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is, according to information from the program Quer vom Bavarian Radio (BR) one of the most common women’s ailments. At the same time, however, the endocrinological disorder is the worst diagnosed. This is mainly because it is a complex clinical picture with an as yet unknown cause. Also stars like actress Emma Thompson, ex-Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham and singer Annemarie Eilfeld should suffer from it.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is difficult to diagnose: Possible symptoms
Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome develop many cysts (fluid-filled protrusions), which, according to the online medical manual MSD manual often arise in the ovaries and thereby enlarge them. Many sufferers suffer from insulin resistance or prediabetes because the body’s cells are resistant to the effects of insulin. If insulin resistance is moderate to severe, diabetes can develop. The symptoms of PCOS syndrome also arise during puberty. The symptoms worsen over time and vary from woman to woman. The following symptoms can occur with PCOS syndrome:
- acne
- depressions
- sleep disorders
- stubborn belly fat
- Eating disorders
- fatigue
- infertility
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Digestive problems
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PCOS syndrome: High concentration of male hormones leads to masculinization
An overproduction of male hormones in the body of PCOS syndrome patients can lead to symptoms of masculinization and thus the development of excessively masculine characteristics. The typical signs of so-called virilization include an increase in body hair, also known as hirsutism, and acne. In addition, masculinization can – in rare cases – lead to a deeper voice, an increase in muscle mass, a decrease in breast size, as well as a masculine body hair pattern, for example on the face or chest, and hair thinning to the point of baldness.
The causes of PCOS syndrome have not yet been clarified
The exact triggers of PCOS syndrome are not yet known. Based on some evidence in studies, researchers suspect that a malfunction of an enzyme responsible for regulating male hormones could be responsible. The dysfunction leads to an increase and high concentration of male hormones. This overproduction can have health consequences by increasing the risk of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. If the level of male hormones remains high, this can lead to serious complications. These include diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) or atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer. Since the causes are still unclear, a diagnosis is required BR In most cases, there is good cooperation between various medical disciplines (e.g. gynecology, endocrinology, internal medicine).
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.