Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Specialists of the Gynecology Department of the Herzliya Medical Center, the leading private clinic of Israel, have achieved excellent results in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. The use of modern methods of instrumental and laboratory research allows establishing the diagnosis accurately and individually select the most effective treatment method.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: definition

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition manifested by hormonal imbalances during which the development of multiple benign formations – cysts of ovaries begins. Ovarian cysts develop in areas of follicle formation. In contrast to the normal physiological maturation of follicles, with polycystic ovary syndrome, the process of ovulation is disrupted (yield mature ovum from the follicle), which is the main cause of female infertility. Ovarian cysts cause an increased level of male sex hormones (androgens) with characteristic clinical symptoms. The polycystic disease occurs in 5-10% of women of childbearing age.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: causes

The main reason for the development of polycystic ovaries is a genetic predisposition. The risk of the disease is significantly higher in women with a burdened family anamnesis. There is also a direct connection of the syndrome with a disorder of the body tissues sensitivity to the effects of insulin (pancreatic hormone, which regulates glucose metabolism). Peripheral resistance (immunity) to insulin leads to an increase in its secretion and an excessive stimulating effect on the ovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also common in women with impaired thyroid and pituitary function.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: symptoms

Early symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome develop during puberty. Their severity depends on the degree of hormonal disorders. The main symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• Menstrual cycle disorders (irregular menstruation, prolonged absence of menstruation). After prolonged amenorrhea other heavy bleeding occurs, accompanied by severe pain
• Infertility
• Signs of androgenic influence – excessive hair growth of a male type (on the face, chest, abdomen), alopecia in the temples and forehead, rough (“male”) voice, breast hypotrophy
• Obesity of the central type
• Skin manifestations of hormonal imbalance – acne, striae (stretches of the skin in the abdomen and thighs), seborrhea, dandruff
• The feeling of discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen, increasing in the premenstrual period
• Depression and psychological disorders

Possible complications of polycystic ovary syndrome

Long-lasting hormonal disorders in patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome significantly increase the risk, those include:

• Uterine cancer (against the background of an intensive proliferation of the endometrium, which caused by an irregular cycle)
• Progressive obesity
• Sleep apnea and signs of chronic hypoxia
• Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (elevated levels of lipids in the blood, fatty liver)
• Mammary cancer
• Hypertension and its secondary complications
• Atherosclerosis and its complications (vascular damage of the heart, brain, and lower extremities)
• Thrombotic and thromboembolic complications

Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome at Herzliya Medical Center

Carefully collected anamnesis of the disease allows the specialists of the clinic to reveal polycystic ovary syndrome. The following additional analysis methods help to confirm the diagnosis:

• Gynecological examination (typical development of the female genital organs)
• The analysis of hormonal levels (levels of estrogen, progesterone, androgens, pituitary hormones, thyroid, and insulin)
• The analysis of blood sugar levels associated with hemoglobin glucose and tolerance to glucose
• Ultrasound procedure of the pelvic organs, as well as transvaginal ovarian ultrasound procedure
• Diagnostic laparoscopy of the ovaries (and biopsy, if needed) help to make the diagnosis and exclude other diseases with similar symptoms. Ovarian laparoscopy is appointed in emergency cases only when the results of less-invasive studies are not indicative.

Treatment methods of polycystic ovary syndrome in Israel

The aim of polycystic ovaries treatment in the Gynecology Department of the Herzliya clinic is to compensate for hormonal disorders, including:

• The use of contraceptive drugs (helps to normalize the menstrual cycle and reduce the clinical manifestations of premenstrual syndrome)
• The use of antiandrogenic drugs (reduce skin manifestations of the disease and prevents excessive hair growth on the face)
• Compensation of diabetes. Along with diet therapy, medical treatment is used to reduce the resistance of peripheral tissues to the effect of insulin.
• Surgery. Focal destruction of cysts with the use of a laser, electrocautery or cryotherapy, allows restoring ovulation and reproductive function. In severe cases, the possibility of partial or complete removal of the ovaries is considered.

Timely diagnosis and qualified treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome at the Herzliya Medical Center in Israel helps to prevent the development of irreversible changes and serious complications.