The PCOS is an acronym for polycystic ovarian (ovary) syndrome, which is primarily an ovarian disease, but may also involve several organs. Although the name refers only to the ovary, it requires complex treatment due to its wide range of symptoms. The disease is caused by the formation of a thick, bark-like coating on the ovaries that prevents ovulation. Cysts filled with liquids are formed from the remains of un-cracked follicles.

PCOS is actually a hormonal disorder of the female body, resulting from the male sex hormone, called androgenic excess. This hormone is normally presented in the female body, but excessive amounts of it may produce many unpleasant symptoms.

Hereditary factors play a decisive role in the development of PCOS, but environmental factors also influence the aggravation of the disease. The hormonal changes that precede and follow the onset of the first menstrual cycle can also contribute to the development of the disease as well as the maternal androgenic overweight (hormones responsible for the formation of male genitalia produced by adrenal glands). This contributes to the prolonged difference in both the pituitary gland, the ovaries and the adrenal hormone production.

PCOS affects every tenth woman and is considered to be a leading cause of infertility. Since it is a highly complex hormonal disease accompanied by metabolic disorders and gynecological complaints, it is necessary to involve more specialized areas to determine the exact diagnosis.

The most common symptoms do not necessarily appear at the same time. In case of PCOS, due to high levels of estrogen and androgen hormones, the disease is an increased risk of developing diabetic, uterine and breast cancer. The task of the endocrinologist is to find out what kind of hormonal changes are taking place in the patient’s body by ordering appropriate laboratory tests.

Other endocrinological diseases that may be caused by PCOS include thyroid, adrenal gland or dysfunctional pituitary gland.

In the case of menstrual dysfunction and non-regular folliculitis, not only female and male sex hormones but prolactin levels and thyroid function should also be tested. Glucose tolerance test is also required to exclude the possibility of diabetes or insulin resistance.

Gynecological tests also help to set up an accurate diagnosis, as women mostly seek the specialist because of infertility problem.

The good news is that PCOS can be treated, the process can be reversed in the body.

The first step in medication is to normalize hormone levels, which will have a beneficial effect on increased hair growth, problematic skin, and the elimination of bleeding.

It is important to emphasize long-term lifestyle treatment, which also includes the development of a proper diet and movement. It normalizes optimal insulin levels, improves both androgenic symptoms and infertility management, and reduces metabolic syndrome and diabetes risk.