A plan to keep it under control
At Dexeus Mujer we have a specialized Unit for diagnosis and treatment of the Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This problem is estimated to affect between 8 and 13% of the female population of reproductive age and it can have important implications in fertility and quality of life. In addition, in the long run it could facilitate the appearance of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular problems.
For this reason it is important to treat this syndrome from a multi-disciplinary point of view, including lifestyle control measures and a medical follow-up in different specialities: gynaecology, endocrinology, nutrition and reproductive medicine. Sometimes, a psychological support may be also indicated, as it can affect physical aspect, sexual intercourses and fertility.
In our centre there are professionals from all these areas, working in coordination, which allows us to tackle this disease from an interdisciplinary point of view, and to adapt treatment to each case and to lifestyle and needs of each patient, as recommended by the latest international guidelines.
What is it?
PCOS is a dysfunction of the ovaries that can cause alterations at metabolic and hormonal level, as well as irregularities in the menstrual cycle. In addition, it can occur in very different ways: acne, high body mass index (BMI), a tendency to obesity, anovulation, excess body hair, etc. Although its cause is not known exactly, it is believed that there is a genetic predisposition and there are various factors that can aggravate it, as a sedentary lifestyle or an inadequate diet.
In this interview we explain how you can keep this problem under control.
When is a medical exam recommended?
PCOS symptoms vary, not all are present nor are given together in patients who suffer from it. In this list we have compiled some of the most frequent. If you have at least two of them, you should request a visit:
Irregular cycles or absence of period for a long time.
Excess hair in areas where women normally tend to have little hair growth.
Acne and oily skin.
Loss of hair.
Difficulty losing weight or tendency to obesity.
Difficulty to get pregnant.
Ovulation test always negative.
Polycystic ovaries aspect, that means they have a very large number of follicles.
Treatments
The way this syndrome appears is very different in each woman, thus we cannot generalize the treatment. First of all, we need to confirm the diagnosis.
To do that, in addition to a first visit to know the family history and medical history, it is necessary to perform a number of tests, such as a blood analysis and gynaecological ultrasound, which will determine if the patient has a level of male hormones - androgens - higher than normal and polycystic ovaries aspect.
The first option is to implement dietary and lifestyle control measures. This way, it is possible to prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular problems, in addition to improve the regularity of menstrual cycle, ovulation and the probability of pregnancy.
In some cases, it may be indicated a pharmacological treatment, by taking contraceptive pills, which keep the ovaries at rest, helping to decrease excess body hair and acne.
If you want to get pregnant but you don’t ovulate regularly, it could be indicated a hormonal stimulation treatment to induce ovulation, and if you have other fertility problems, an assisted reproduction treatment would be studied.
Why choose us
We offer you a Unit of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in which we work in a multidisciplinary team and in coordination with experts in gynaecological image diagnostics, nutrition, psychology, fertility, reproduction, gynaecology and endocrinology.
The latest European guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary follow-up throughout the life of the women with PCOS, because of the consequences it can have in the long term.
Our service of Reproductive Medicine has its own protocols for the treatment of infertility in case of PCOS.
We are a reference centre with over 80 years of experience and pioneer in prevention, diagnosis and treatment in women's health.
We offer an integrated circuit in which the realization of diagnostic tests, consultations and treatments are carried out in a centralized manner and in the same building.
Testimony
Clara Ruiz, 31 years old, Badalona
"I’ve been taking the contraceptive pill since I was 18 and at 31 I decided to stop in order to get pregnant. However, my period was not regular, so I consulted my gynaecologist. After an ultrasound and an analytic, they told me I had an ovarian dysfunction called “polycystic ovary syndrome”, and they recommended to follow a few nutritional guidelines to lose a little weight. Now, after six months, I feel better as my periods are a bit more frequent, but the ovulation tests are often negative, so maybe I will need to take some medicaments to stimulate the ovulation. Anyway, I’m not worried, because my doctor told me that this problem, under medical control, can be solved. Hopefully I’ll be lucky and get pregnant this year!".
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