What causes polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome may be related to genetic factors, endocrine disorders, insulin resistance, obesity, environmental factors and other reasons. Polycystic ovary syndrome usually presents with symptoms such as irregular menstruation, hirsutism, acne, and infertility. It can be intervened by adjusting lifestyle, drug treatment, surgical treatment, etc.

1. Genetic factors

Polycystic ovary syndrome runs in families, and if your mother or sister has the disease, you may be more likely to develop it. Such patients may have genetic mutations that lead to abnormal follicular development. It is recommended that women with a family history undergo regular gynecological examinations. Early detection can be through diet control combined with exercise intervention, without immediate medication.

2. Endocrine disorders

Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis dysfunction can lead to elevated levels of luteinizing hormone, stimulating the ovaries to secrete excess androgens. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as increased body hair and hair loss. Your doctor may recommend using ethinyl estradiol and cyproterone tablets to regulate hormones, or dydrogesterone tablets to improve the state of the uterine lining.

3. Insulin resistance

About half of patients have insulin resistance, and hyperinsulinemia stimulates the ovaries to secrete androgens. Such patients are often accompanied by acanthosis nigricans. Metformin sustained-release tablets are commonly used clinically to improve insulin sensitivity, and combined with rosiglitazone tablets to control blood sugar levels, it is also necessary to adhere to a low glycemic index diet for a long time.

4. Obesity factors

Excessive accumulation of adipose tissue will aggravate endocrine disorders and promote abnormal aromatization process in which androgens are converted into estrogen. Patients with a body mass index over 24 are recommended to lose weight through caloric restriction and aerobic exercise. When the weight loss reaches 10% of the standard body weight, the menstrual cycle of some patients can resume on its own.

5. Environmental factors

Long-term exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A may induce ovarian dysfunction. Such patients should avoid using plastic containers to heat food. If necessary, doctors will prescribe letrozole tablets to suppress excessive estrogen secretion. In severe cases, laparoscopic ovarian drilling may be required.

Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome should maintain a regular daily schedule, engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise such as brisk walking and swimming every week, choose low-glycemic foods such as whole grains and broccoli, and limit the intake of refined sugar. Monitor changes in basal body temperature. When persistent amenorrhea or abnormal uterine bleeding occurs, sex hormones and gynecological ultrasound must be reviewed in a timely manner.