Polycystic Ovaries

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Video: Polycystic Ovaries

Video: Polycystic Ovaries
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Polycystic Ovaries
Polycystic Ovaries
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What is polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovaries is the most common endocrine disease in women. It is a complex complex of hormonal disorders that affect a woman's entire body and impair her health. Polycystic ovaries affect about 10% of women of childbearing age and one of the main causes of infertility and infertility.

The main problems of polycystic ovaries are increased production of androgens in the ovaries; disturbance in the process of ovulation, as the maturation of the follicle does not reach the release of an egg.

The mechanism of occurrence of polycystic ovaries is caused by a defect in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones - in the ovaries increases the formation of androgens, and the synthesis of estrogen gradually decreases. Changes in the enzyme systems of the ovary are also observed, which causes the accumulation of androgens - oxyprogesterone, testosterone and androstenedione. The high androgen level, in addition to disrupting the maturation of the follicles, also causes a change in the feedback of the ovaries at the level of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.

Causes of polycystic ovaries

The reasons for the appearance of polycystic ovaries are not fully specified, which is why many experts agree that this is a disease of hypotheses. The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, whose activity is disturbed, is mentioned. The adrenal cortex with an increased amount of androgens is also said to be involved in the process.

There are hypotheses about the important role of the thickened ovarian formation, the pressure disturbances in the arterioles in the ovary; of inflammatory-toxic conditions in inflammation of the pelvis.

Many experts support the theory that the disease is congenital.

The unclear origin of polycystic ovaries and the variety of clinical manifestations unite some specialists around the identification of three main forms of the disease. The first is a hypothalamic-pituitary form in which there is a decrease in gonadotropic hormones and an increase in prolactin levels. The second is an adrenal form in which androgens of adrenal origin predominate. The third is the ovarian form, in which there is a disorder of hormone production in the ovary and increased secretion of androgens.

Symptoms of polycystic ovaries

The manifestations of polycystic ovaries are characterized by disorders of the menstrual cycle, weight gain, hair growth and disorders of the neuro-vegetative system. In almost all cases, women suffer from various forms of menstrual problems - hypomenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. There are also women who do not have menstrual disorders, but they also have a disorder in the process of ovulation. In some women, irregular uterine currents occur.

Polycystic ovaries almost always cause infertility. Infertility is primary, and in very rare cases - secondary. Infertility is caused by a lack of ovulation and sometimes by lutein deficiency. The leading symptoms of the disease are menstrual disorders and lack of ovulation.

Most of the affected women suffer from hirsutism on the limbs, face and other parts of the body. This is enhanced hair, which can gradually acquire a male type - sideburns grow, hair appears above the upper lip. Other women are overweight. The reason for this gradual obesity is the increased level of androgens.

Diagnosis of polycystic ovaries

Polycystic ovaries
Polycystic ovaries

The diagnosis polycystic ovaries is performed by a gynecologist who performs a number of tests. Ultrasound examination shows the presence of a large number of cystic formations around one or both ovaries.

The hormonal activity of the ovaries is specified by the appointment of basal thermometry, endometrial biopsy, cytosmear, measurement of prolactin levels, sex steroids and gonadotropic hormones.

The size of the ovaries can also be determined by gynecological examination.

Treatment of polycystic ovaries

The treatment of the disease is carried out in two main directions - surgical and conservative intervention. Ovarian surgery consists of a wedge-shaped resection, which normalizes the relationship at the level of the ovary and hypothalamic-pituitary gland. After the operation, menstruation resumes in most women, and ovulation returns to normal in fewer women. The result is better in younger women.

Conservative treatment consists of drug therapy for menstrual problems and ovulation. Most specialists recommend medical treatment before surgery, taking into account the unexplained causes of the disease.

Conservative treatment is most often applied before surgery, and if the latter fails, drug therapy is prescribed again. The choice of treatment depends largely on the age of the woman - whether she is sexually mature and whether she wants to get pregnant.

Obesity has a negative effect on both types of treatment. For this reason, a woman should lose weight, because they cause significant disorders in the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

The article is informative and does not replace a consultation with a doctor!

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