Welcome to Mater Clinic, your ally in gynecological and reproductive health! Today we are going Can I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome without having cysts on the ovaries? | BLOG - MATER CLINICto address a question that perhaps many women have never asked themselves until they suddenly go to a gynecological consultation and encounter the truth: Is it possible to have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) without presenting cysts on the ovaries? The answer may surprise you, so join us on this journey to unravel this intriguing question.
First of all, let's talk a little about what Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is.
In short, it is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterized by hormonal imbalances that can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as irregular periods, increased body hair, acne, difficulties in conceiving, weight gain, and insulin resistance, which can subsequently lead to other problems.
The popular belief is that PCOS is closely linked to the presence of cysts on the ovaries, and it's normal for us all to think that, considering it's called "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome". However, astonishingly on the other hand, the absence of cysts does not exclude you from possibly having polycystic ovary syndrome.
In fact, according to medical studies, up to 20% to 30% of women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) do not show evidence of cysts on their ovaries in an ultrasound, a much higher percentage than we might think.
So, how is PCOS diagnosed without visible cysts?
The truth is, it's a rather complex condition, and it's important to note that PCOS can manifest itself in different ways and symptoms can vary from person to person because, as we always say, every woman is a different and unique world.
Moreover, up to 70% of affected women worldwide are undiagnosed, a quite alarming figure when we stop to think about it. Therefore, it's possible that some women with PCOS do not have cysts on their ovaries, but they may experience other symptoms such as hormonal imbalances, irregular menstruation, excessive levels of androgens, among others, and they may not even know what they have.
To make a diagnosis, doctors rely on a combination of symptoms, blood tests, and evaluations of medical history to reach an accurate diagnosis. Special attention is paid to hormone levels, such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the frequency and regularity of menstrual periods.
Now, why do some women with PCOS not develop cysts on their ovaries?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine condition, meaning it's a hormonal condition with various factors, which means it can manifest itself in various ways in different women. And because of this, not all women with PCOS develop ovarian cysts for several reasons:
Variety in pathophysiology: PCOS involves hormonal imbalances that affect the ovulatory cycle. In some women, these imbalances lead to the formation of multiple small follicles (cysts) in the ovaries that do not fully mature for ovulation. However, in others, these imbalances do not necessarily result in the visible formation of these follicles.
Diagnostic criteria: They require that at least two of the following three criteria be met: menstrual irregularities or anovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism (excess male hormones), or ovarian cysts on ultrasound. This means that a woman can be diagnosed with PCOS without having ovarian cysts as long as she meets the other two criteria.
Influence of other factors: Factors such as age, weight, diet, and lifestyle can influence the physical manifestation of PCOS, including cyst formation. Additionally, medical treatment, such as the use of hormonal contraceptives, can prevent cyst formation by regulating hormone levels and suppressing ovulation.
Insulin sensitivity: Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS and may play a significant role in its clinical manifestations, including cyst formation. However, the degree of insulin resistance and how it's managed (through diet, exercise, or medication) can affect whether cysts develop or not.
Taking all this into account, it's essential for both patients and healthcare professionals to understand that PCOS is an endocrine disorder that can have significant implications for reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health, regardless of the presence of cysts. Therefore, at Mater Clinic, we understand that a comprehensive and personalized approach is crucial for the management and treatment of this condition, focusing on improving the quality of life of our affected patients and addressing all facets of their symptoms so that you have all the tools you need.
And remember, PCOS is a manageable condition. With proper care and support, you can take control of your health and fertility if this is the case.
At Mater Clinic, we have a specialized consultation for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, so you can take the first step towards a healthier and happier life!
So if you think you have some symptoms or are concerned about something regarding your menstrual health, don't hesitate to contact us; it will be a real pleasure for us to take care of you.
We at Mater Clinic have human professionals always willing to clarify your doubts. If you want more information, you can write to us without any obligation or book an appointment with us. We are on doctoralia, or you can write to us on our WhatsApp number at 645 096 548 or through the contact method of your preference. We will be delighted to talk to you!
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