What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Guadalajara, Mexico . During puberty and adolescence, Nancy had irregular periods, excessive hairs and a constant struggle without weight loss. the cause of his problems was discovered in a medical diagnosis: polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Like Nancy, "any woman who begins her period up to menopause may manifest this syndrome" because "she is Zarela Chinolla Arellano, specialist in gynecology and obstetrics at the Mexican Institute of Social Security ( IMSS), told Efe

Chinolla Arellano reported that the syndrome incorporates several clinical features, the main one being menstrual disorders, that is, delayed cycle more than 40 days, even for periods of three or six months to almost one year.

An adequate menstrual cycle would have the characteristics of being every 25 to 35 days, with two to seven days of bleeding, four to five towels a day or no more than 80 milliliters in the menstrual cup during the entire period.

"If you do not have these characteristics, it would be a given to go to the doctor," said the cialista

The second manifestation of the syndrome is derived from the elevation of androgens (male bad hormones that are normal in low amounts in women): hair growth, tendency to obesity mainly in the abdomen and acne even in the adult stage

And the third manifestation is the excess of follicles or cysts in the ovaries, whose presence is normal in the first days of the cycle so that one of them grows up, generates ovulation and then disappears or be fertilized.

However, in patients with PCOS "there are so many (follicles) that no one grows, does not allow ovulation, so they have problems getting pregnant or having menstrual cycles regular, "says the obstetrician.

Nancy, 20, recalled that at the age of 15, she was already struggling with the syndrome that previously was unknown to her and her family, and was causing her personal and social suffering.

Raba, "said the young woman when talking about her school performance in high school, because" I had a lot of insecurity, I thought I was going to have cancer or that I could not not having children. "

Understand that, because of the syndrome, The young woman had a hard time losing weight, she changed her life:" Even though I had always maintained a healthy diet and exercise, I did realized that I had to work harder, "said Nancy

.He continued:" Through the treatment, I started losing weight, as a normal person, then I felt good and my esteem of self was starting to grow. "

The treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome varies with each woman's case." As this is a condition that is not known to whom it will give, it is convenient that they carry the diagnosis and are in constant reviews ", estimates the specialist.

In some women it is enough to maintain a specific routine of diet and exercise, while others cases require hormonal treatment because the syndrome triggers elevation, transient or permanent te, androgens.

Therefore, Dr. Zarela Chinolla Arellano pointed out that it is important to see the doctor when detecting something unusual, so For example, "if a patient reaches syndrome has the chance to find pregnancy but has never been treated, it increases the risk of hypertensive diseases, spontaneous abortions and gestational diabetes, "he warned.

The specialist concluded that although polycystic ovary syndrome affects between 6 and 8% of women internationally and is irreversible, "it can be perfectly controlled to lead a normal life."