Polycystic ovarian diasease (PCOS), which is the most common hormonal disorder in women, disrupts the menstrual period and hence causes ovulation problems and has a negative effect on the ability to have children. However, there are regularly menstruating PCOS cases.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF PCOS?

The reason is unclear. Multiple factors are effective together. Genetic factors are effective, can be in mother or sister, but it is not an absolute hereditary disease.

HOW CAN I KNOW I HAVE PCOS?

PCOS is strongly thought to be associated with irregular menses, hirsutismus (increased hair amount all over the body) and mostly being overweight. There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Diagnosis is made by evaluating the patient’s history and complaints, ultrasonographic findings and sometimes blood hormonal tests.

DO PCOS CASES NEED OPERATION?

Cysts in the ovaries are not pathological cysts, they are immature eggs. Therefore, these cysts with dimensions less than 1 cm do not require operation. It doesn’t turn into cancer.

WHICH HORMONAL TESTS ARE DONE IN PCOS?

Assessing blood hormones in PCOS may be valuable to differentiate other hormonal disorders from PCOS. Evaluation of hormones and blood glucose, insulin levels in women with suspected PCOS might be done during initial evaluation.

WHAT IS THE RELATION BETWEEN PCOS AND INSULİN RESISTANCE?

The pathology we call insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS. Therefore, those women usually are overweight. High insulin levels cause the production of androgens which play the key role in acne, hirsutismus, obesity and difficult ovulation seen in women with PCOS.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND FINDINGS IN WOMEN WITH PCOS?

Irregular or delayed menses, infertility, recurrent miscarriages, hirsutismus, oily skin and acne, rapid weight gain, depression, hypertension, diabetes, increased prolactin hormone levels are all seen in women with PCOS.

WILL IT AFFECT THE WHOLE LIFE OF WOMEN?

Women with PCOS are at increased risk of high blood pressure, vascular occlusion, heart disease, heart attack, diabetes, uterine cancer (endometrial cancer). PCOS can actually become a women’s health problem. Therefore weight control is very important. The first preventive measure in women with PCOS for their future health problems is weight control and exercise.