It is considered theendocrine alteration more common in childbearing age so much that it is estimated to be striking the 5-10% of the female population. Let’s talk about the polycystic ovary syndromeor PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome), a disorder that Chiara Ferragni recently said she also suffered.
What is it about?
“That of the polycystic ovary is one syndrome with a non-homogeneous picture – explains Professor Nicoletta Di Simone, head of the multidisciplinary Center of Obstetrical Pathology of Humanitas San Pio X – that is, it can manifest itself with different characteristics. The main ones are hyperandrogynismi.e. the increase in androgens, theirregular ovulationand finally one particular ovarian morphology, or ovaries larger than normal, containing a large number of small follicles located peripherally below the cortex. We speak of polycystic ovary syndrome when at least two of these three conditions are met“.
This clinical picture is often associated with the appearance of symptoms which can be a wake-up call.
«As we said, the picture is variable – continues the expert – One of the main symptoms is certainly the irregularity of the menstrual cycle. We talk about oligoamenorrhea why menstruation comes late e they can occur every 3/4 months: consequently ovulation does not occur regularly every month. Hyperandrogynism can also lead to others manifestationthe typical ones like the hair loss, the presence of acne and increased hair“.
One symptom to watch out for is also the difficulty in losing weight. “The increase in ovarian androgens may be due to one particular metabolic condition – explains Professor Di Simone – or the increase in insulin or insulin resistance. The most frequent manifestation is a difficulty in losing weight, and contributes to a further increase in androgen production, aggravating the clinical picture. This condition predisposes the young woman to a series of risks in adulthood such as the development of type 2 diabetes but also cardiovascular pathologies and hypertension“.
The causes of the syndrome are still to be clarified, even if, according to experts, PCOS has a multifactorial origin: in fact, environmental factors are often associated with genetic predisposition.
“The lifestyle is key also with a view to prevention – explains the expert – for this reason it is good to promote healthy habits especially in young girls, which include proper nutrition and physical activity. This way it is possible monitor the increase in insulin and decrease the risk of obesity which can aggravate the situation ».
Polycystic ovary syndrome therefore often represents a complex clinical condition for women who suffer from it, with symptoms that often have a strong impact on daily life as well.
“Yes, it’s a complex picture – confirms the expert – but which today can be treated with therapies that significantly reduce symptoms. A young woman who does not have regular menstruation can follow, for example, one hormone therapy that regulates the cycle. For problems like hirsutismacne or alopecia, due to the increase in androgens, however, you can proceed with a specific hormone therapy based on the so-called antiandrogen drugs. While insulin resistance is fought above all, as we said, with a healthy diet, regular physical activity and even drugs that can control the increase in insulin. What is important to remember is that the polycystic ovary is one syndrome that must be diagnosed early and it is a condition on which it is good to act both through lifestyle and through ad hoc therapies in a timely manner “.
Source: Vanity Fair
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