Online consultation on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
The syndrome affecting the fertility of up to 10% of women is a complicated endocrine disease. The diagnosis of this disease usually takes place in reproductively active age and is revealed when a woman comes to the doctor's office to solve the problem of pregnancy. This disease is closely related to insulin resistance.
It interferes with a woman's reproductive health, metabolic condition and also affects the psychosocial area. Clinically, it manifests itself very differently, but some signs are typical for it. We are talking about hyperandrogenic manifestations (acne, male pattern hair loss, increased sebum production), infertility (complete or partial loss of menstruation, anovulation, irregular cycle), metabolic disorders (diabetes🍰🍩, obesity).
What is the cause of this disease is basically unknown, however insulin 🧪, which is produced to an increased extent, is considered to be the primary link. Hyperinsulinemia (higher level of insulin in the blood) also causes the subsequent increased production of androgens. Under the influence of androgens, the above-mentioned manifestations occur. The treatment of this disease is complicated, but it is not impossible to get pregnant. Regime measures such as: reducing weight, increasing physical activity 🤸♀️, stopping smoking🚬, quality sleep 😴, etc., which will improve insulin resistance, are considered supportive tools. There is also another possibility to influence the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Myo-inositol (contained in the Verra Complex) is considered an insulin sensitizer and thus helps to stimulate the maturation of oocytes (eggs). Myo-inositol supplementation normalizes the menstrual cycle, induces ovulation, improves the manifestations of hyperandrogenism, and last but not least, improves insulin resistance and the accompanying metabolic manifestations. All this results in an increased chance of pregnancy. And what more? Myo-inositol has no adverse effects and no contraindications have been identified.
Your most frequent questions are answered by MUDr. Radka Bažantová:
1) Can this syndrome cause miscarriages?
MD Radka Bažantová : In general, this syndrome is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. However, I would like to point out that it is more common in women with insulin resistance and obesity. Therefore, weight reduction and modification of the diet are an important prevention.
2) What nutritional supplements do you recommend for this diagnosis?
MD Radka Bažantová: On the one hand, I would recommend a varied menu with a limit on refined sugars. From nutritional supplements, I would recommend Verra Komplex Fertility and Pregnancy with a clear conscience. Contains all important nutrients in an active form with maximum absorbability. The contained Myo-inositol is important for the diagnosis of PCOS, which helps to stimulate egg maturation, normalize the menstrual cycle, induce ovulation, and last but not least, moderate the metabolic manifestations of insulin resistance.
3) How can the maturation of the dominant follicle and subsequent release be supported in PCOS?
MD Radka Bažantová: I would recommend supplementation with Myo-inositol, which helps to stimulate the ovaries, helps to normalize the menstrual cycle, and induce ovulation. Together with it, it is important to supplement with folic acid.
4) For a while, my period is +/- regular, and then it's a month late and I have to have an injection. Can polycystic ovaries be affected in other ways than hormonal treatment?
MD Radka Bažantová: A varied diet and plenty of exercise are important. I would also recommend supplementing with Myo-inositol, which helps to stimulate the ovaries, to normalize the menstrual cycle (so it could also help your irregular menstrual cycle), to induce ovulation. I would also recommend folic acid. Everything needed in a maximally absorbable form is contained in the Verra Fertility and Pregnancy Complex.
5) Why do women with PCOS miscarry more often and can this be prevented?
MD Radka Bažantová: PCOS is a syndrome with a wide spectrum of manifestations. It is most often associated with obesity and insulin resistance, which, according to studies, is most likely the reason for the increased number of spontaneous abortions. Prevention is therefore lifestyle modification with a varied menu with a restriction of refined sugar and sufficient exercise leading to weight reduction and adjustment of insulin resistance.
6) Is there such a thing as a milder form of PCOS? I have some symptoms but not clear PCOS.
MD Radka Bažantová: PCOS has a really wide range of manifestations. Not all women with this diagnosis have ovarian cysts, and not all women who have cysts on ultrasound have PCOS. It is one of the possible manifestations. In general, the procedure is based on the so-called Rotterdam criteria: which looks at the regularity of the menstrual cycle (ovulation/anovulation), sonography of the ovary, laboratory-proven increased concentration of male sex hormones with possible clinical manifestations (excessive pubescence, hair loss), other specific blood tests. PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Therefore, it is also appropriate to check the glycemia.
7) Could it be said that PCOS is a disease of civilization and is related to today's lifestyle?
MD Radka Bažantová : The etiology of the disease has still not been completely clarified. Hereditary factors partly play a role, but overweight or obesity - i.e. the effects of the external environment - play a major role.
8) During the last checkup, the doctor discovered a 3 cm cyst. What can I do for problems conceiving (we've been trying for over a year)? Could the cysts and acne that have appeared in the last 3/4 years be a symptom of PCOS?
MD Radka Bažantová: According to your report, I understood that you had one cyst and now for the first time, is that right? Do you have a regular menstrual cycle? Did you take hormonal contraception before you started trying for a baby? Have you gained or, on the contrary, lost weight lately? In general, a cyst alone is not indicative of a PCOS diagnosis. It also depends on the position of the cyst, it would be good to check it after a while to see if it is growing. A cyst can appear in each of us, it can stay, but it can also go away with the next menstruation. It may not affect conception at all.
9) If I suspect PCOS, can I do something for my health myself? (Supplements, what to watch out for and what to support...)
MD Radka Bažantová: I would recommend a varied diet with a limit on refined sugar, sufficient sleep, regular exercise - even daily walks are enough, physiotherapy to relax the often contracted muscles of the pelvic floor, where we store stress, and supplementing the necessary nutrients.
10) Can I have PCOS even if I ovulate and vice versa? Last month the doctor found a cyst in me (I didn't ovulate) and this month I did.
MD Radka Bažantová: Once in a while every woman has an anovulatory cycle, it's completely normal. What is important is the fact that it has now taken place.
Many thanks to MUDr. Councilor Bažantová for the great answers. You can look forward to the next online consultation at the usual time, on Thursday 21 October 2021 from 5-7 pm on our Instagram.