Hormonal imbalances are often the reason for many disorders in an individual’s body, especially in women during their development and menstruation processes. Precisely, the hormonal imbalance is one of the main reasons for the appearance of polycystic ovaries.
Polycystic ovaries comprise a disorder in the female body between the ages of adolescence and youth, as well as encompassing a lot of myths that trigger misinformation and produce misunderstandings.
In the following article, we will talk about what a polycystic ovary is, the reasons for its appearance, symptoms, and treatments for its control.
What is a polycystic ovary?
The polycystic ovary is defined through an article of the NIH (National Institute of optimal and healthy lives), as a health problem or disorder that implies a hormonal disorder where irregular periods occur (some months yes, others no) or excessive and even their absence. (1)
It is characteristically hereditary, or at least the chances of its presence are increased by family members with the same disorder.
Important: Cysts appear in the ovaries , which are usually small bags filled with liquid and they are capable of increasing their size. Instead of releasing the egg and producing a menstruation, these cysts are produced.
Causes of polycystic ovary
The reasons why the polycystic ovary occurs are of an indefinite nature with precision. There are elements that influence and increase the possibilities, which are usually common factors in these patients.
These main causes will be mentioned and described below.
Hormonal changes
As previously described, hormonal changes are one of the main reasons that trigger the appearance of polycystic ovaries.
Among the consequences that it can bring to the body, a direct consideration is determined towards:
- weight changes
- Alopecia
- Acne
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol
The hormones then, which regulate the menstrual cycle or those that are produced in specific amounts in the body, are altered and lead to the presence of certain characteristics and the irregularity of the menstrual period.
Increased insulin level
There is also a production of too much insulin, which leads to a release of male hormones in amounts higher than normal.
In the study carried out by Natalben on “Polycystic ovary syndrome” (PCOS) , the disorder is defined as endocrine-metabolic that produces resistance to insulin due to the reduction of its effectiveness, which produces reactions in our body that are they probably evoke the origin of the SOP . (two)
high androgen levels
Androgen levels are usually quite high, and these are precisely those in charge of regulating the menstrual period.
Women tend to produce them even though they are recognized as “male hormones” and the alteration of their levels in the body, in many cases, is the consequence of a high production of insulin.
Genetics
As we mentioned previously, the genetic factor also influences. The presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in close relatives increases the chances of also being involved in this type of disorder.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary
The polycystic ovary is presented through certain symptoms, which help to identify it. They will be mentioned and explained below for your recognition and understanding.
irregular menstrual cycle
One of the main symptoms to manifest is the absence of the menstrual period or the appearance of it irregularly.
Dr. Gómez Río in her blog states that the endometrium , which is the internal lining of the uterus, does not grow uniformly and produces an irregular detachment after accumulation, which explains the menstruation or sporadic bleeding (3) .
Absence of menstruation
For the same reasons previously mentioned, there is also a disappearance of menstruation.
Also, the cerebral pituitary also unbalances the hormone that is follicle-stimulating (anti-Müllerian hormone) , which will limit the production of ovules and leads to amenorrhea , that is, the disappearance of menstruation.
In addition to this, there is less follicular selection and consequently greater production of androgens.
Weight changes
Approximately 50% of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have increased weight and are even overweight.
It is usually obesity around the waist and occurs mainly in adolescence.
Excess body hair
Due to hormonal changes and excessive production of some androgen hormones , there is hair growth in areas such as the nipples, back, abdomen, chest and face.
There is a condition called hirsutism (excessive growth in women of thick, dark hair) and it is considered a consequence of polycystic ovaries and their hormonal disorder.
Acne
It is produced by the excessive production of oily skin that clogs the pores, which is usually very important in the development of the physical examination to determine the symptoms to be treated for polycystic ovary syndrome.
Hair loss
In a study it is explained that it is one of the symptoms that disturbs the patients the most, due to being one of the most aggravated and uncomfortable implications to treat. (4)
It is caused by hyperandrogenism and 3.2% of women with PCOS present this type of condition due to its excessive production and hormonal alteration.
acanthosis pigmentosa
Among the dermatological manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome, acanthosis nigricans (or pigmentosa) is defined, also as an element derived from hyperandrogenism , together with hirsutism and obesity. (5)
Important: It is a syndrome of a dermatological nature, for biochemical and metabolic reasons that present an increase in skin pigmentation, characterized by a darkening and hardening of skin areas such as the neck, armpit and groin.
Fatigue
Another of the symptoms that usually occur in women with polycystic ovaries is constant fatigue (frequent feeling of tiredness) and pain or discomfort, which do not seem to have an apparent physical relationship with the menstrual period.
sleep problems
In an article on the Clínicas Conde blog (6) , they explain how patients with polycystic ovaries are frequently affected by a feeling of tiredness but also poor sleep and drowsiness.
Humor changes
Due to hormonal imbalance, it is very common for constant and involuntary mood swings to occur.
In a research article on Depression, anxiety and polycystic ovary syndrome (7) , they mention the increased possibilities of emotional instability and potential depression, which is assumed to be the main cause due to the derangements of different types of hormones and combinations of unknown factors.
infertility
Infertility is a possible consequence of polycystic ovaries, but it is not irremediable. Fertility is compromised due to metabolic variations and hormonal imbalance that affect the health and stability of the body in general terms.
Important: The treatments are also evoked in the prevention of a spontaneous abortion , which have a certain frequency in the presence of this disorder.
Treatment for polycystic ovary
For polycystic ovarian syndrome, certain treatments are presented that have the same orientation: the reduction of its symptoms and regularity of menstrual periods . These will be mentioned and described below.
Among them, although it is not mentioned due to the little application, there is the use of a surgical laser for the cauterization of the ovaries.
Contraceptive drugs and progestogens
Hormones and progestogens help control menstrual cycles, so the pills help the process of breaking down the endometrium and then produce more regular cycles. In addition to that, they help improve acne and excessive and unwanted growth of body hair.
Note: It is always recommended to consume under medical supervision because the components react in different ways in each organism and we do not want to increase the risks of developing uterine cancer.
Healthy nutrition
The inclusion of food, even in small quantities, such as nuts in the daily diet, will help to improve and reduce symptoms in people with polycystic ovary syndrome.
They also encourage eating healthy foods to reduce the risk of obesity and also to keep blood glucose levels under control .
Physical exercise
Exercise helps with the improvement of the emotional state , hormonal values, insulin sensitivity, weight loss and reduction of menstrual pain, for which it will be beneficial and advantageous to put it into practice.
psychological therapy
In the psychological aspects of polycystic ovarian syndrome, attendance at individual or group therapy is recommended in search of a subjective influence for the effectiveness of the treatments.
Key Findings
- Polycystic ovary implies a hormonal disorder where irregular periods occur.
- It is characteristically hereditary, or at least the chances of its presence are increased by family members with the same disorder.
- The polycystic ovary is produced by causes of an indefinite nature with precision, but elements such as hormonal alterations, increased insulin and high androgen levels influence.
- Certain treatments are presented to reduce your symptoms, such as: drugs, healthy eating, physical exercise and psychological therapy.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.