Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Symptoms and Treatment
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, brieflyPCOSor PCOSIt is a hormonal and metabolic condition common in women of reproductive age. PCOS; It may be accompanied by menstrual irregularity, ovulation disorder, increase in androgen hormones, hair growth, acne, hair loss and insulin resistance in some patients.
“Polycystic ovary syndrome is not just cysts seen in the ovaries; it is a holistic health condition that can affect hormones, metabolism, menstrual cycle and fertility.”
Article Summary
The issue of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be addressed by evaluating the person's complaints, examination findings and needs together. In this article, the basic points about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the diagnosis-treatment process and things to pay attention to are summarized.
What Will You Find in This Article?
- What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Symptoms and Treatment:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What are the symptoms of PCOS?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
- What Causes PCOS?:This section explains basic information on the subject, the evaluation process and points to consider.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that can affect the regular ovulation function of the ovaries. In people with PCOS, ovulation may become infrequent or irregular. This may cause menstrual periods to be delayed, become rare, or not occur at all in some periods.
In the evaluation of endometriosis and ovarian cyst, pain pattern, menstrual pattern, ultrasound findings and pregnancy plan should be considered together [1][2].
The term “polycystic” in the name PCOS describes the appearance of many small follicles in the ovaries. However, not every PCOS patient has to have polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Likewise, seeing many follicles in the ovary does not alone diagnose PCOS. Diagnosis; It is determined by considering menstrual pattern, androgen findings, blood tests and ultrasound evaluation together.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The main symptoms that can be seen in polycystic ovary syndrome are:
Treatment selection; It should be individualized according to the type of cyst, its size, growth tendency, severity of complaints, and the patient's fertility goals [1][3].
- Menstrual Irregularity:Infrequent menstruation, long intervals or absence of menstruation.
- Ovulation Disorder:Difficulty getting pregnant due to lack of regular ovulation.
- Excessive Hairiness:Male pattern hair growth on the face, chin, chest, abdomen or back.
- Acne and Oily Skin:Acne, especially on the jawline, face, back or chest area.
- Hair Loss:Male pattern hair thinning or thinning in the crown area.
- Weight Gain:Fat, especially around the waist, or difficulty losing weight.
- Insulin Resistance Findings:Desire for sweets, difficulty controlling weight or darkening of the skin.
- Psychological Effects:Anxiety, depression, body image issues or self-esteem problems.
What Causes PCOS?
The main factors that may be effective in the development of PCOS:
If a surgical decision is to be made, factors such as ovarian reserve, possibility of recurrence and pathology risk should be balancedly evaluated [1][2].
- Insulin Resistance:The body's decreased response to insulin can have an impact on blood sugar and hormone balance.
- Androgen High:Increased androgen hormones can contribute to hair growth, acne, and ovulation disorders.
- Genetic Predisposition:The risk may increase in those with a family history of PCOS.
- Weight and Lifestyle Factors:Excess weight can increase insulin resistance and exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
- Metabolic Factors:Disturbances in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure balance may occur with PCOS.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
PCOS is not diagnosed with a single test. The patient's menstrual pattern, androgen excess findings such as hair growth and acne, blood hormone tests, metabolic evaluation and ultrasound findings are examined together. The Endocrine Society guideline recommends using the Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS in adults and excluding other diseases that may cause similar symptoms.
In patients for whom follow-up or drug therapy is planned, the control interval can be rearranged according to symptom change and imaging findings [2].
According to the Rotterdam criteria, the presence of at least two of the following three findings may support the diagnosis of PCOS:
- Menstrual irregularity due to infrequent ovulation or lack of ovulation,
- High androgen levels as clinical or laboratory findings,
- Appearance of polycystic ovary on ultrasound.
However, the evaluation of these criteria must be made by a physician. Because thyroid diseases, high prolactin, adrenal gland diseases or some hormonal disorders may cause symptoms similar to PCOS.
What Tests Are Performed in the Diagnosis of PCOS?
Tests that may be requested in the diagnosis of PCOS:
- Gynecological examination and detailed history,
- Evaluation of menstrual regularity,
- Androgen hormone tests such as total and free testosterone,
- Differential diagnostic tests such as TSH and prolactin,
- Fasting blood sugar, insulin or oral glucose tolerance test,
- Cholesterol and triglyceride evaluation,
- Evaluation of the ovaries with pelvic ultrasound.
How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treated?
Approaches that can be used to treat PCOS include:
- Lifestyle Adjustments:Nutrition, exercise, sleep and weight management are essential parts of PCOS treatment.
- Menstrual Regulating Treatments:Birth control pills or progesterone treatments can help restore menstrual regularity.
- Anti-Androgen Treatments:It can be used for androgen-related symptoms such as hair growth and hair loss.
- Insulin Resistance Treatment:Drugs such as metformin may be preferred to manage insulin resistance in suitable patients.
- Ovulation Treatment for Those Planning Pregnancy:Medications that stimulate ovulation can be used under the supervision of a physician.
- Psychological Support:Supportive treatments are important for patients with anxiety, depression or body image problems.
“The goal of PCOS treatment is not just to regulate menstrual cycles; it is to reduce long-term metabolic risks, support fertility and improve quality of life.”
Why Are Lifestyle Changes Important in PCOS?
Lifestyle changes have an important place in PCOS management. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, weight management and sleep patterns can help reduce insulin resistance and support menstrual regularity.
In overweight patients, even 5-10% weight loss can have a positive effect on menstrual cycle, ovulation and metabolic values. However, PCOS is not only seen in overweight people; People of normal weight can also have PCOS. Therefore, the treatment plan should be prepared according to the person's body structure and metabolic status.
- A low glycemic index diet may be preferred.
- Balanced meals rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats can be planned.
- Regular walking, resistance exercise and cardio exercises can be supportive.
- Sleep patterns and stress management should not be neglected.
- Smoking should be avoided.
Does PCOS Prevent Pregnancy?
PCOS can make it difficult to get pregnant due to ovulation irregularity; However, this does not mean that pregnancy is not possible. PCOS is one of the treatable causes of infertility. The chance of pregnancy can be increased by evaluating ovulation patterns, regulating weight and metabolic status, and, if necessary, ovulation treatments.
The treatment approach for PCOS patients planning pregnancy is different from the treatments used to regulate menstruation. Therefore, patients who want to have children should clearly share this with their physician.
The Relationship Between PCOS and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance may be common in PCOS. When there is insulin resistance, the body produces more insulin to balance blood sugar. High insulin levels can increase androgen production and exacerbate PCOS symptoms.
Insulin resistance; It may be accompanied by weight gain, fat around the waist, sweet tooth, sleepiness after meals, skin darkening called acanthosis nigricans, and blood sugar imbalances. Therefore, it is important to monitor blood sugar and metabolic risks in the evaluation of PCOS.
What Happens If PCOS Is Untreated?
If PCOS is not treated and monitored, it may be associated with problems such as menstrual irregularity, long-term exposure of the uterine lining to estrogen, infertility, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes risk, high cholesterol and psychological effects. These risks are not the same in every patient; However, regular follow-up is important for long-term health.
Having very infrequent periods may cause irregular thickening of the lining of the uterus. For this reason, it is important to maintain menstrual regularity under the supervision of a physician in patients who have not had menstrual periods for a long time.
How to Manage Hair Growth and Acne in PCOS?
Hair growth and acne in PCOS usually develop under the influence of androgen hormones. Birth control pills, anti-androgen drugs, dermatological treatments and long-term hair reduction methods can be used in treatment. However, the effects of these treatments appear over time; It may take several months for a significant response to hair growth treatment.
Since anti-androgen drugs may be harmful during pregnancy, a different approach is required in patients planning pregnancy. For this reason, hair growth and acne treatment must be planned under the supervision of a physician.
For PCOS Assoc. Dr. Nazlı Korkmaz's Approach
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that can affect the quality of life but can be managed with proper follow-up and personalized treatment. Assoc. Dr. In Nazlı Korkmaz's approach, not only menstrual irregularity; Insulin resistance, hair growth, acne, weight management, pregnancy plan and long-term metabolic risks are evaluated together.
- Early Diagnosis and Regular Follow-up:If there are symptoms such as menstrual irregularity, hair growth or acne, evaluation should not be delayed.
- Personalized Treatment:The symptoms and goals of each PCOS patient are different; The treatment plan should be created accordingly.
- Lifestyle Support:Nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management are important parts of treatment.
- Appropriate Approach to Pregnancy Planning:Treatment options are different for patients who want and do not want pregnancy.
- Long Term Health Tracking:Blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and intrauterine health should be monitored regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
PCOS is a chronic prone condition; However, symptoms can be controlled with appropriate treatment, lifestyle adjustments and regular follow-up. The treatment target is determined individually.
Yes. PCOS may make pregnancy difficult, but it does not necessarily prevent pregnancy. In patients with ovulation irregularity, the chance of pregnancy can be increased with lifestyle adjustments and, if necessary, ovulation treatments.
Yes. PCOS is not only seen in overweight people. It may also occur in people of normal weight with menstrual irregularity, hair growth, acne or ovulation disorder.
No. The small follicles seen in PCOS are not the same as a single large ovarian cyst in the classical sense. Ovarian cysts can be of different types and should be evaluated separately.
No. Birth control pills may be used for menstrual irregularities, acne, and hair growth in some patients; but it is not mandatory for everyone. Pregnancy plan, risks and symptoms determine the choice of treatment.
Insulin resistance may be common in PCOS. This may make weight control difficult and increase androgen levels. It is important to regularly monitor blood sugar and metabolic values.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment Prices 2026
Polycystic ovary syndrome treatment prices; It may vary depending on the examination, ultrasound, hormone tests, metabolic tests, medication, pregnancy plan follow-up and additional evaluations.
The most accurate information about current PCOS treatment prices in 2026 can be given after examination and personal evaluation. Because each patient's symptoms, pregnancy plan, metabolic status and treatment needs are different.