- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
- 2103390838
- 2421022988
Obstetrician Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
In Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the hormonal balance is disrupted, and ovulation does not occur regularly (or occurs rarely). The ovaries become enlarged and filled with many small cysts. It is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, occurring in about 5–10% of this population.
It is also considered one of the leading causes of infertility. PCOS is a hormonal disorder commonly seen in women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excessive levels of male hormones (androgens). The ovaries may develop many small fluid-filled follicles that fail to regularly release eggs.
The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment, combined with weight loss, can reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is typically associated with menstrual disorders, infertility, obesity and shaggy hair.
PCOS is typically associated with menstrual irregularities, infertility, obesity, and hirsutism. It is the most common gynecological endocrine disorder and affects 5–10% of women aged 12–45.
Women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with similar symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation may include blood hormone testing, glucose and insulin measurements, abdominal and/or transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, laparoscopy, and ovarian biopsy.
PCOS signs and symptoms often appear around the time of the first menstrual period (menarche), but sometimes develop later—for example, after significant weight gain. Symptoms vary greatly.
The signs and symptoms of PCOS are usually more severe if you are obese. The syndrome and symptoms often begin to appear with menopause. In some cases, the syndrome develops later during reproductive age with various signs and symptoms, which can worsen in conjunction with significant weight gain. Each woman with polycystic ovary syndrome may be affected differently.
Seek medical advice if you have concerns about menstrual irregularities, infertility, or symptoms of androgen excess, such as hirsutism, acne, or hair loss.
The exact cause is unknown, but contributing factors may include:
Complications of PCOS can include:
Obesity is often associated with PCOS and can worsen complications.
There is no single test for definitive diagnosis. Your doctor will begin with a medical history review focusing on menstrual cycles and weight changes. A physical exam may assess hair growth, insulin resistance, and acne.
Your blood may be analyzed to measure hormone levels. This test can help rule out other causes of menstrual irregularities or excess androgens that mimic PCOS. Additional blood testing may be performed to assess glucose tolerance and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Your doctor will examine the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of your endometrium using a transvaginal ultrasound.
If PCOS is diagnosed, your doctor may recommend further testing for possible complications. These may include:
Treatment is tailored to each woman’s symptoms, such as excess hair growth, acne, obesity, and infertility. Weight management through diet and moderate exercise is essential. Even a 5% weight reduction can significantly improve the condition.
Medical guidance from a gynecologist is critical.
Women with PCOS should pay particular attention to diet — often with the help of a specialist dietitian. Regular exercise combats insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Early diagnosis and treatment, including weight loss, reduce long-term risks such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and can improve fertility significantly, unless other fertility factors coexist.
Your doctor may recommend weight loss if you are overweight, through a low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise. Even a modest reduction in weight — for example, losing 5% of your body weight — can improve your condition.
Weight loss may also increase the effectiveness of medications prescribed for PCOS and can help improve fertility.
To regulate your menstrual cycle, your doctor may recommend:
To help you ovulate, your doctor may recommend:
To reduce excessive hair growth, your doctor may recommend:
To reduce the effects of PCOS, try to:
Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can lower insulin and androgen levels and may help restore ovulating. Ask your doctor about a weight-management program and meet regularly with a dietitian to support your weight-loss goals.
Limit carbohydrates. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets may increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor about a low-carbohydrate diet if you have PCOS. Choose complex carbohydrates, which raise blood sugar levels more slowly.
Stay active. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily physical activity and participating in a regular exercise program can treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent diabetes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can increase certain risks during pregnancy. Some of these may include miscarriage, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and generally more challenging labor and delivery. However, this is not always the case. It is important to consult your gynecologist, who will thoroughly assess your situation and recommend the best possible approach for your pregnancy.
Women with polycystic ovaries have a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health disorders, according to research. Studies show that PCOS can negatively impact mental well-being, affecting an estimated 5% to 10% of the global population. Similarly, children born to mothers with PCOS may be at increased risk of attention-deficit or hyperactivity-related disorders.
Having an ultrasound and receiving a diagnosis of polycystic ovaries does not necessarily mean that you will experience fertility problems. However, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can affect fertility and may also impact egg quality.
It is important to consult with your doctor, who will explain your individual situation in detail. The good news is that many women with PCOS are able to become pregnant without needing specialized treatment. Age is certainly an important factor that will influence fertility, depending on your medical history and the severity of the condition.
For an accurate diagnosis, the appropriate tests must be carried out to confirm that a woman has Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This includes a series of hormonal blood tests, as well as an ultrasound scan where we expect to identify abnormal follicles and any other issues affecting the ovaries or the uterus.
