Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic endocrine disorder characterized by ovulation disorders, excess male hormones (hyperandrogenism), and polycystic changes in the ovaries. It is one of the most common causes of infertility in women.
PCOS is a disease in which ovulation either does not occur at all, or is disrupted (oligoovulation), which makes it difficult to conceive. The main signs of PCOS are an excess of male hormones (androgens), which can manifest as increased hair loss, acne, and hair loss. Ultrasound often reveals enlarged ovaries with many small cysts — these are follicles that cannot ovulate. It is believed that PCOS develops due to problems with hormonal regulation in the brain and due to insulin resistance, a decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin. Insulin resistance leads to an increase in insulin production, which stimulates the excessive production of androgens in the ovaries and exacerbates ovulation disorders. As a result, women with PCOS may experience not only difficulties with conception, but also metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels.
Causes
Hormonal regulation disorders in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Insulin resistance
Genetic predisposition
Excess of male sex hormones (androgens)
Obesity and metabolic disorders
Symptoms
Irregular or absent menstrual cycle
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Infertility
Increased hair loss (hirsutism)
Acne and oily skin
Overweight or obese
Hair loss (androgenic alopecia)
Areas of dark skin in folds (black acanthosis)
After-effects
One of the most significant complications is infertility caused by ovulation disorders. Infertility affects about 75% of women with PCOS. Another complication is endometrial hyperplasia. This condition increases the risk of endometrial cancer, especially in perimenopausal women.
Лечение
Conservative treatment
PCOS treatment is aimed at correcting symptoms and preventing complications. The main treatment method is lifestyle changes — weight loss and increased physical activity. Even losing 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve a woman's condition. If lifestyle changes are insufficient, medications are prescribed. Combined oral contraceptives may be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the symptoms of hyperandrogenism. In infertility, drugs are used to stimulate ovulation.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment is used less frequently, but it can be indicated if there is no effect from drug therapy. The laparoscopic procedure, known as ovarian drilling, involves removing polycystic follicles using a laser or needle. This helps to restore normal ovulation and improve the chances of conception.
Schedule a visit to the clinic
How to reach
Moscow, 1st Yamskogo Polya Street, 15
Mon–Sun Around the clock
+7 495 255-50-03
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Zamoskvoretskaya line - exit 4 After exiting the subway, walk through the pedestrian tunnel and climb the stairs. Move towards the railway tracks, go down the stairs immediately after them and walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS.
Travel time
9 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign
How to get
From the Belorusskaya metro station of the Ring line - exit 2. After exiting the subway, turn left and walk to the pedestrian crossing. Cross the road through two pedestrian crossings and move along the Tverskoy overpass. Go down the stairs immediately after the railway tracks, walk along the house, then turn right onto 1st Yamskoye Pole Street. At the turn to 3rd Yamsky Pole Street, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and continue along 1st Yamsky Field Street, after a few buildings on the left you will see Olympus Clinic MARS
Travel time
11 minutes
Landmark
Olympus Clinic MARS sign