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WHAT IS PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is very common among women of reproductive age. It has major metabolic, reproductive, and psychological effects on health. PCOS is represented by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and anovulation. PCOS raises the risk of insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology of the disease remains blurred, and the subjective phenotype makes a cohesive diagnosis difficult among physicians. It appears to be a familial genetic syndrome caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE THE PCOS?

To diagnosed with PCOS, one has to meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria :

1. Irregular Periods

Irregular periods defines that ovulation doesn’t happen regularly, means the ovaries do not release the eggs.

2. High testosterone

Testosterone is male hormone, which usually have high concentration in PCOS patients.

3. Polycystic morphology

Sonography reports which shows the ovaries have multiple cysts.

That means, it is possible that one have polycystic morphology but does not have PCOS. This criterion is defined as Rotterdam criteria.

OTHER SYMPTOMS

- Acne

- Hirsutism

- Anxiety

- Mood changes

- Depression

- Irritation

Reference - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5563096/