Polycystic Ovaries and Insulin Resistance

When we hear about female diseases, we immediately think of the organs that are most affected, the organs of the woman’s reproductive system. It is not for nothing that this type of thought permeates our heads, since the woman’s body undergoes several hormonal transformations throughout her life, which ends up making them much more likely to have problems of this type than men. .

Two things that are often related to this type of problem are polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance . But, after all, what do these two things have to do? Can this disease cause complications? How to treat it? We will talk about each of these aspects in today’s text, but first, do you know what polycystic ovaries are?

What are Polycystic Ovaries?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disease that affects more than two million women in Brazil alone every year. It is estimated that, in general, 20% of women have this problem during their reproductive phase.

It is a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the woman’s natural ovulation process, which ends up causing this syndrome. One of the main characteristics of this disease is the appearance of cysts, which usually disappear after menstruation, which stay and end up modifying the structure of the woman’s ovaries, causing several problems. Next, we will talk more deeply about the causes, symptoms and complications of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Main Causes of Polycystic Ovaries

The exact causes of this disease are not yet fully understood by science, although it is generally agreed that the genetic factor influences the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is estimated that a woman with a family history of the disease has a 50% greater chance of developing it than those who do not.

Another factor little talked about, but which is important to be addressed, is the relationship between polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance by a woman’s body. Several studies indicate that the increase in the amount of insulin in the blood , what we call hyperinsulinemia, ends up causing hormonal imbalance, increasing the levels of testosterone in a woman’s body, which affects the ovaries and causes the syndrome.

For this reason, women with insulin resistance , diabetes, overweight, obesity or a tendency to have any of these diseases are included in the risk group (due to family history).

It is important to note that the fact that a woman has any of these diseases does not mean that she will necessarily have polycystic ovary syndrome, only that the chances end up increasing.

What are the symptoms?

Polycystic ovary syndrome has several different symptoms, whether in menstruation, skin, hair, or even a woman’s weight. We can list some of these symptoms, such as:

  • Absence of menstruation or abnormal menstruation
  • Stains on the skin, especially on the neck and under the armpits
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Hair loss
  • Oily skin, usually accompanied by acne
  • Vaginal bleeding outside the period
  • Rashes on the skin
  • Excessive fur on the skin
  • Depression
  • Infertility

Many of the symptoms of the disease can be signs of other complications that a woman may have, so it is important to be aware of the sets of signs and see a specialist doctor to make sure that you actually have the disease.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is made through several tests, which need to isolate other types of problems that affect a woman’s hormonal development, such as thyroid or adrenal gland.

It is worth remembering that an isolated exam usually cannot identify the disease, some of which are necessary to measure the woman’s hormone levels to be sure of the diagnosis.

How to Prevent Disease?

Prevention of the disease should be done mainly by women who are at risk , that is, who have diseases such as diabetes , as we must not forget that polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance are things that are often linked.

That said, the best way to prevent the disease is through a balanced diet and physical exercise . This is because the diet will make the woman never have excess blood sugar, which helps in the production of insulin and, consequently, also helps to regulate her hormonal production. Physical exercises combined with this diet are also of great help.

Don’t forget to always visit your doctor and have your exams up to date . That way you can discover any changes in your body in time to treat it in the best way and thus avoid major problems.

Treatment of Polycystic Ovaries

The treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome can be done in several ways. The first of these, with medications, can be done through birth control pills that regulate menstruation and the production of hormones in a woman’s body, in addition to other medications for this type of control.

Medications can also generally be used to decrease some of the main symptoms such as excess hair or even a woman’s cholesterol decrease, should the need arise. However, it is worth making it clear that for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome there are also non-drug options such as Mio Inositol that arrived in Brazil with Fertisop, which currently has an efficient and also very accessible version, FamiSop. FamiSop (Mio Inositol) helps to fight insulin intolerance, which is why it is highly recommended by doctors specializing in the subject. we have indicated the Famivita website to consult more information about this great ally of women.

Another great ally in the treatment of this disease is the aforementioned diet, which must always be accompanied by regular physical exercise. It is important to visit a nutritionist to provide a specific and balanced diet for each case, in addition to exercise recommendations that may vary according to the weight and age of each woman.

Does Having Polycystic Ovaries Hinder Pregnancy?

While we know that it is possible to become pregnant even with polycystic ovaries, we also know that this syndrome can end up complicating a woman’s pregnancy, with greater chances of problems such as pre-eclampsia , gestational diabetes , premature birth and even spontaneous abortion .

In these cases, all the tips to prevent and treat the disease also fit here. Healthy eating and exercise (in this case, only those specific for pregnant women) will help to eliminate the chances of problems during pregnancy.

We are often unaware of the correlation between two problems that seem to be distinct, such as polycystic ovaries and insulin resistance. But despite this, having knowledge about this relationship and how it can affect a woman’s life is very important not only to know what can cause this disease, but to prevent it and prevent the accompanying complications from reaching you as well. .

Although it is not possible to avoid all illnesses throughout your life, it is possible to have greater control over your health and the way you treat yourself. And that is why this information is so useful.

See Also: Does Diabetes Medication To Get Pregnant Work?

Dr. Alexis Hart
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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.

Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

Dr. Alexis Hart

My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

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