The ovaries are fundamental components for the functioning of female fertility. They are indispensable parts for all the mechanisms of the reproductive system to work together. But like everything in the human body, they can have issues that affect their proper functioning, as is the case with polycystic ovary.

What is Polycystic Ovary?

The ovaries are the organs of the female reproductive system, responsible for releasing eggs, as well as producing the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Their function is extremely important for fertility, since ovulation is necessary for fertilization to occur when there is contact with a sperm cell. During this natural process of egg production, the ovaries produce around 10 to 15 eggs in each cycle, but only one (in rare cases, two or more) matures and is released for fertilization. In the natural process, the remaining follicles begin to regress until they completely disappear, and their residues are eliminated through menstrual blood. However, if they do not break down, they remain inside the ovary, interrupting the natural process of the following cycles, at which point they are called polycystic ovary. When these follicles remain inside the ovaries, they cause small “scars,” as they harden, which ends up impairing the production of new eggs and disrupting the entire natural process of ovulation and egg release. Polycystic ovaries are mostly treated with birth control pills, but for those who want to get pregnant, it can become a torment. For this reason, scientific studies have discovered that a specific vitamin greatly helps reduce cysts. Myo-Inositol, formerly sold in Brazil as Fertisop, now has a more affordable and very effective version, FamiSop. You can find FamiSop on the Famivita website.

What Causes Polycystic Ovary?

There is no exact cause for the occurrence of polycystic ovaries, but it appears that the problem is linked to family history, people with overweight or obesity issues, or women with a predisposition to diabetes who have insulin resistance. All the possible causes mentioned lead to changes in hormone levels, mainly testosterone, which is mainly responsible for the development of cysts, resulting in polycystic ovary. With increased estrogen and an imbalance in other hormones, the cycle becomes dominated by estrogen causing women to have very long cycles of up to 120 days and, in some cases, women may go a year without menstruating. With these changes, women develop an anovulatory cycle and as a result, do not menstruate and cannot get pregnant. Therefore, to regulate the cycle, proper treatment of polycystic ovary is necessary.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary

Some women can live for months with polycystic ovary and not even realize it, either because they do not notice the symptoms or simply confuse them with other natural bodily issues. However, it is important to be aware of the most common symptoms and, if you suspect anything, speak with your gynecologist.

  • Appearance of acne and pimples;
  • Irregular menstrual cycle;
  • Absence of menstruation;
  • Appearance of body hair;
  • Severe hair loss.

If you notice these symptoms or any other changes in your body, speak with your gynecologist, who will request an ultrasound for confirmation and diagnosis.

Can Someone with Polycystic Ovary Get Pregnant?

As previously mentioned, having polycystic ovary can be a challenge for those wishing to get pregnant, not because it causes infertility, but because it disrupts the natural fertility process, which is ovulation. With the presence of small cysts inside the ovary, the function of the ovaries to produce new follicles and release mature ones for fertilization is hindered. But the good news is, by undergoing the treatment recommended by a gynecologist, the small cysts disappear and the functionality of the ovaries returns. However, there are also cases where, even with polycystic ovary, a woman can get pregnant. The presence of cysts can interfere, but in some cases, it does not entirely prevent ovulation; however, these are rare cases.

Treatment for Polycystic Ovary

There is no definitive cure for polycystic ovary, but there are treatments for the symptoms it causes and also for controlling the cysts. Any treatment in this case should be prescribed by a gynecologist after evaluation of all exams. In general, the control of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive acne, and the appearance of body hair is done with birth control pills to regulate hormone levels. Typically, results from the treatment are seen quickly and within a few months are noticeable. However, if the treatment is for women who wish to become pregnant, the method is different. The treatment for polycystic ovaries in women wishing to get pregnant must be done under strict medical supervision, as ovarian stimulation with medications such as metformin or clomiphene is necessary. In more severe cases of polycystic ovary, surgical intervention may be recommended to remove the cysts or, in rare cases, even removal of the ovaries to eliminate the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Along with any treatment offered to women with polycystic ovary, it is necessary to supplement with a healthy diet and regular physical exercise, which will help control weight gain, which is essential for successful treatment.

Natural Treatment for Polycystic Ovary

Some women are somewhat resistant to drug treatments, fearing side effects or how their body might respond. In these cases, there is the option of natural treatments such as herbal teas. Yellow uxi and cat’s claw teas are options for treating not only the symptoms of polycystic ovaries, but also several other problems such as fibroids, endometriosis, uterine inflammation, urinary tract infections, and even as a way to regulate the menstrual cycle. Both are medicinally recognized for their ovarian-stimulating and anti-inflammatory properties, so they can combat the uncomfortable symptoms and help in the treatment and reduction of cysts.

Signs of Improvement and Worsening of Polycystic Ovaries

It is possible to observe signs of improvement after starting treatment for polycystic ovaries. Signs can be noticed in as little as two or three weeks. The skin improves, acne and pimples disappear or reduce considerably, hair growth decreases, and the menstrual cycle normalizes. However, it is also possible to notice if the treatment is not providing the expected results, often because the treatment is not properly followed. Signs include increased hair growth, elevated blood pressure, weight gain, and severe abdominal pain and discomfort.

Can Women Suffer from Polycystic Ovaries During Menopause?

A very common question among women approaching the age of 40 is about menopause and polycystic ovaries. As menopause stops menstruation, it is imagined that the discomfort caused by polycystic ovaries and the presence of cysts is resolved, but in fact, it’s the opposite, the problem can worsen if not treated properly. When menopause occurs, female hormone levels tend to decrease, and thus symptoms such as hair growth, hair weakening, and severe hair loss also tend to increase. Therefore, it is extremely important for women to have proper medical follow-up during menopause, especially if they have polycystic ovaries. Hormone replacement therapy is essential to control the bothersome symptoms of menopause and also to manage the increase and presence of cysts.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS

Even though they affect the same organ and have similar names, these are two different conditions that require different levels of attention and care. The difference between polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome is that in the syndrome, male hormone levels are altered, which is why it is considered an endocrine disorder. With increased testosterone, the main symptom is growth of hair in places where women typically do not have it, such as facial hair, on the breasts, abdomen, back, and thickened hair on the arms and legs as well. Women with PCOS deserve extra attention, as a lack of treatment can lead to serious fertility problems. Women with PCOS should be followed by a gynecologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist and, in some cases, a psychologist or therapist as well. Photo: Schomyn