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Ovaries are fundamental parts for the functioning of female fertility. They are indispensable parts for all the gears of the reproductive system to work together. But like everything in the human body, it can present complications that affect its proper functioning, as is the case of the polycystic ovary.
What is Polycystic Ovary?
The ovaries are the organs of the female reproductive system, responsible for releasing eggs, in addition to producing the hormones progesterone and estrogen . This function is extremely important for fertility, since it is necessary to release the egg in order for fertilization to occur, when in contact with a sperm.
During this natural egg production process, the ovaries produce around 10 to 15 eggs in each cycle, but only one (there may be 2 or more in rare cases) mature and be released for fertilization.
In the natural process, the other follicles begin to regress until they disappear completely and their residues are eliminated through menstrual blood . However, if they do not come undone, they stay in the ovary, interrupting the natural process of the next cycles, where they gain the name of polycystic ovary.
When these follicles are lodged within the ovaries, they cause small “scars”, as they harden, which ends up impairing the production of new eggs and disrupting the entire natural process of ovulation and egg release.
Polycystic ovaries are mostly treated with contraceptives, however, for those who want to get pregnant, it can become a torment. Therefore, according to scientific studies they found that a specific vitamin helps a lot to reduce polycystic. Mio Inositol, previously sold in Brazil as Fertisop, which now has a more affordable and very efficient version, FamiSop. You can find FamiSop on the Famivita website .
What Causes the Polycystic Ovary?
There is no concrete cause for polycystic ovaries to occur, but everything indicates that the problem is linked to family history, people with overweight or obesity problems , or women with a predisposition to diabetes, who have insulin resistance.
All the possible causes mentioned cause changes in hormonal levels, mainly in testosterone, which is the main responsible for the development of cysts, causing the polycystic ovary.
With the rise of estrogen, and the unevenness of the other hormones, the cycle is dominated by estrogen making the woman have huge cycles of up to 120 days , in some cases, she can go a year without menstruating.
With these changes, the woman starts to have an anovulatory cycle and as a consequence, she does not menstruate and cannot get pregnant. Therefore, to regularize the cycle, proper treatment of the polycystic ovary is necessary.
Polycystic Ovary Symptoms
Some women may live for months with the polycystic ovary and not even imagine it, without noticing the symptoms or simply confusing it with other natural issues in the body. But it is worth being alert to the most common symptoms and, in case of suspicion, talk to your gynecologist.
- Appearance of acne and pimples;
- Uncontrolled menstrual cycle;
- Menstrual absence ;
- Appearance of hair on the body;
- Intense hair loss.
When you notice the presence of these symptoms or even changes in the body, talk to your gynecologist who will order an ultrasound for confirmation and diagnosis.
Who Has Polycystic Ovary Can Get Pregnant?
As we have already reported above, having a polycystic ovary can be an obstacle for those who wish to become pregnant, not because it leaves the woman infertile, but rather, because it disrupts the natural process of fertility, which is ovulation.
With the presence of small cysts within the ovary, the function of the ovaries is prevented from producing new follicles and from releasing the mature ones for fertilization. But the good news is that, following the treatment recommended by the gynecologist, the small cysts disappear and the functionality of the ovaries returns.
But there are also cases where even with the presence of a polycystic ovary, the woman can get pregnant. The presence of cysts can be disruptive, but in some cases it does not completely prevent ovulation , but they are very rare cases.
Polycystic Ovary Treatment
There is no treatment for definitive cure of the polycystic ovary, but there is treatment for the symptoms it causes and also for the control of the cysts. Any treatment in this case must be indicated by the gynecologist after evaluation of all tests.
In general, the control of symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycle, the appearance of excess pimples and even the appearance of hair is carried out with the help of contraceptives , to control hormone levels.
Usually, the return to treatment is quick and in just a few months the result is already noticeable. But now, if the treatment is for women who wish to become pregnant, the method used is another.
The treatment of polycystic ovaries for women who wish to become pregnant should be carried out with strict medical monitoring, as ovarian stimulation with drugs such as metmorphine or clomiphene will be necessary.
In cases considered more severe of polycystic ovary, surgical intervention may be indicated to remove the cysts or in more isolated cases, even the removal of the ovaries to stop the chances of the woman developing cancer in the endometrium.
Along with any treatment offered to women with polycystic ovaries, it is necessary to complement with a healthy diet and physical exercise , which will assist in the control of weight gain, which is essential for the success of the treatment.
Natural Treatment For Polycystic Ovaries
Some women have some resistance to undergoing drug treatments, afraid of adverse reactions or how their body may respond or react. In these cases, there is the option of treatments using natural methods such as teas.
Yellow uxi or cat’s claw teas are options for treating not only the control of the symptoms of polycystic ovaries, but several other problems such as fibroids, endometriosis, inflammation in the uterus, urinary tract infection and even as an indication to regulate the menstrual cycle.
Both are medicinally recognized for their power of ovarian stimulation and anti-inflammatory power, which is why it manages to combat such uncomfortable symptoms, in addition to helping in the treatment and reduction of cysts.
Signs of Improvement and Worsening of Polycystic Ovaries
You can see signs of improvement after starting treatment for polycystic ovaries. The signs can be seen after two or three weeks. The skin improves, acne and pimples disappear or reduce considerably, reduces hair growth and the menstrual cycle normalizes.
But, it is also possible to notice if the treatment is not offering the expected result, many times, for not complying with the treatment properly . Among the signs is increased hair growth, increased blood pressure, weight gain and severe abdominal pain and discomfort.
In Menopause Can Women Also Suffer From Polycystic Ovaries?
A very common question, among women approaching 40 years of age, is about menopause and polycystic ovaries. As in menopause, they stop menstruating, it is thought that the discomfort caused by polycystic ovaries and the presence of cysts will resolve, but in fact it is the other way around, the problem can become worse if you do not have an appropriate treatment.
When menopause occurs, female hormone levels tend to decrease and as a result, symptoms such as hair growth, weakening and excessive hair loss also tend to increase.
For this reason, it is extremely important that women have adequate monitoring during the menopause phase , especially if they have polycystic ovaries. The
hormone replacement is essential to control symptoms as bothersome menopause and still control the increase and the presence of cysts.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – PCOS
Even though it is the same location and the name is very similar, these are two different conditions that deserve very different attention and care . The difference between polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary syndrome is that, in the syndrome, the male hormone levels change, which is why it is considered an endocrinological disorder.
With this increase in testosterone, the growth of hair in places that women do not have, is the main symptom. Like hair on the face, breast, belly, back, thickening of the hair on the arms and legs as well.
Women with PCOS deserve extra care, as their lack of treatment can lead to serious fertility problems. The follow-up for women with PCOS must be done by a gynecologist, endocrinologist, dermatologist and in some cases, it may be necessary to be accompanied by a psychologist or therapist.
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.
