When we hear about women’s diseases, we immediately think of the organs most affected, which are the organs of the female reproductive system. It’s no wonder this kind of thinking lingers in our minds, since a woman’s body goes through many hormonal changes throughout her life, which means they are much more likely to have these types of problems than men. Two things that are often related to these issues are polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. But after all, what do these two things have in common? Can this disease lead to complications? How is it treated? We’ll talk about each of these aspects in today’s text, but first, do you know what polycystic ovaries are?

What are Polycystic Ovaries?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease that affects more than two million women in Brazil alone every year. It is estimated that, overall, 20% of women have this problem during their reproductive years. It is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the natural process of ovulation in women, which ends up causing this syndrome. One of the main characteristics of this disease is the appearance of cysts, which normally disappear after menstruation, but in this case, remain and end up modifying the structure of a woman’s ovaries, causing various problems. Below, we will discuss in more detail the causes, symptoms, and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Main Causes of Polycystic Ovaries

The exact causes of this disease are still not fully known by science, although there is general agreement that genetic factors influence the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is estimated that a woman with a family history of the disease has a 50% higher chance of developing it than those without it. Another factor that is rarely mentioned, but is important to address, is the relationship between polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance in a woman’s body. Various studies indicate that increased insulin levels in the blood, which we call hyperinsulinemia, ends up causing hormonal imbalance, increasing testosterone levels in a woman’s body, which affects the ovaries and causes the syndrome. For this reason, women with insulin resistance, diabetes, overweight, obesity, or a tendency to have any of these conditions (due to family history) are part of the risk group. It is important to point out that, just because a woman has any of these conditions, it does not mean she will necessarily have polycystic ovary syndrome, only that the chances are higher.

What are the Symptoms?

Polycystic ovary syndrome presents various symptoms, whether related to menstruation, skin, hair, or even a woman’s weight. We can list some of these symptoms, such as:

  • Absence of menstruation or abnormal menstruation
  • Dark patches on the skin, mainly on the neck and under the armpits
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Oily skin, usually accompanied by acne
  • Vaginal bleeding outside the menstrual period
  • Skin eruptions
  • Excess hair growth on the skin
  • Depression
  • Infertility

Many of the symptoms of the disease may be signs of other complications a woman might have, so it is important to stay alert to sets of signals and consult a specialist doctor to be sure you actually have the disease.

How is the Diagnosis Made?

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is done through various tests, which need to rule out other types of problems that affect a woman’s hormonal development, such as thyroid or adrenal gland issues. It’s worth remembering that an isolated test usually can’t identify the disease, making it necessary to carry out several tests to measure a woman’s hormone levels to ensure a correct diagnosis.

How to Prevent the Disease?

The disease should be prevented mainly by women who are in the risk group, that is, those with conditions such as diabetes, because we cannot forget that polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance are often linked. That being said, the best way to prevent the disease is through a balanced diet and regular physical activity. This is because a healthy diet will help a woman avoid excess sugar in the blood, which aids insulin production, and consequently, helps to regulate hormone production as well. Physical exercise, combined with this diet, is also a big help. Don’t forget to always visit your doctor and keep your tests up to date. That way you can spot any changes in your body early and treat them in the best possible way to avoid bigger problems.

Treatment for Polycystic Ovaries

Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome can be done in various ways. The first, with medication, can include birth control pills that regulate menstruation and hormone production in a woman’s body, as well as other medications for this type of control. Medications can also generally be used to reduce some of the main symptoms, such as excess hair growth or even to lower a woman’s cholesterol, if necessary. However, it’s important to make it clear that, for treating polycystic ovary syndrome, there are also non-drug options such as myo-inositol. Another great ally in treating this disease is the already mentioned diet, which should always be paired with regular physical activity. It’s important to visit a nutritionist to get a specific, balanced dietary plan for each case, along with exercise recommendations which may vary based on each woman’s weight and age.

Does Having Polycystic Ovaries Make It Harder to Get Pregnant?

While we know it is possible to become pregnant even when you have polycystic ovaries, we also know that this syndrome can end up complicating pregnancy, with higher chances of problems such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, or even miscarriage. In these cases, all the tips to prevent and treat the disease also apply here. A healthy diet and exercise (in this case, only those specific for pregnant women) will help reduce the chances of problems during pregnancy. Many times, we are unaware of the connection between two problems that seem distinct, such as polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. But despite this, knowing about this relationship and how it can affect a woman’s life is very important not only to understand what may cause this disease but also to prevent it and avoid the complications that come with it from affecting you as well. Although it’s not possible to avoid all diseases throughout your whole life, it is possible to have greater control over your health and how you are treated. That’s why this information is so useful. Also see: Does Diabetes Medication Help with Getting Pregnant?