Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) refers to the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. Patients with PCOS have problems with ovulation, insulin resistance and abnormally high levels of androgens.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is called so because women with this condition usually have a number of cysts on the ovaries (generally twice the norm), no larger than 8 mm in diameter each). They are located far from the surface of the ovaries and contain follicles that have not developed properly due to a number of hormonal abnormalities. The egg cannot mature in such follicles. Subsequently, pregnancy occurrence is impossible. This pathology is successfully diagnosed with the use of screening during ultrasound scanning.
The process of ovulation involves the complex interaction of many different hormones. If one or more of these hormones are out of balance, there may be an irregular cycle or a rare ovulation, and the time needed to achieve pregnancy increases.
Menstrual disorders, hirsutism, acne and obesity may indicate the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome in women.
In adolescence, this condition can be manifested by the delayed onset of menstruation or irregular periods.