What are polycystic ovaries?
We refer to polycystic ovaries when there are 8 or more follicles in a resting state (during menstruation). This number of follicles is higher than usual and can be detected by ultrasound scan. This condition does not imply the presence of ovarian cysts, although the name may be misleading.
Symptoms of polycystic ovaries
Polycystic ovaries are a change in the usual number of follicles in the ovary. This condition can often be unnoticed, as it is asymptomatic.
In some women it can cause irregular periods and painful ovulation. These symptoms are usually solved with hormonal treatment to help re-establish the proper functioning of the female reproductive system.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome
One of the symptoms of this pathology is the presence of polycystic ovaries. PCOS also manifests itself through other symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance. In fact, the diagnostic criterion for PCOS is the presence of at least two of these symptoms. As there is no definitive pattern in the manifestation of this pathology, it is often difficult to diagnose it. These are the symptoms:
A medical condition characterised by an increased level of male hormones causing acne, excess body hair, etc. Polycystic ovary syndrome involves an excessive production of these hormones. This leads to ovarian cysts in addition to other symptoms.
A condition in which the egg is not released from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
Changes or irregularities in the usual pattern of menstruation.
What are the causes of polycystic ovaries and PCOS?
Polycystic ovaries are a very common gynaecological condition among women. Normally, it is a condition that does not necessarily imply the presence of other health issues.
However, PCOS constitutes a problem in the woman’s endocrinology system. Although the causes are still to be determined, there is increasing evidence of the implications in its origin. Likewise, a woman’s lifestyle and habits have a direct impact in the development of this syndrome.
Since they have different origins, their consequences vary.
Polycystic ovaries and pregnancy: will it affect my fertility?
Polycystic ovaries do not directly affect fertility. However, they may cause some difficulty in the ovulation process, which is usually easy to solve. In some cases, they can cause the production of poor-quality oocytes.
In the case of PCOS, the situation is different. Due to the hormonal imbalances that characterise this syndrome, a woman's fertility is directly affected. The excessive production of male hormones prevents the proper development of the follicles. As a result, the release of the egg is impaired in the ovary.
Treatment for PCOS
The treatment for PCOS may vary depending on the symptoms each affected woman has. Although there is no single cure, there are factors that can help control and better cope with its symptoms. Among the positive changes that can be made are those related to lifestyle:
Find answers to your questions
Having polycystic ovaries and having polycystic ovary syndrome is not the same. These are different conditions that share one symptom: polycystic ovaries. The origins of these pathologies are different. Furthermore, they affect the body in a different way, which is why the symptoms and consequences of both diseases are distinct.
