Is polycystic ovary polycystic?

Ovarian polycystic changes are not equivalent to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may be a normal physiological phenomenon, or it may be an early sign of a disease or caused by other factors. Doctors should make a comprehensive judgment and identification based on specific symptoms, endocrine examinations and medical history.

1 Physiological polycystic changes:

Ovarian polycystic changes may sometimes be part of the physiological cycle, such as pre-ovulatory follicular development, the presence of multiple follicles in the ovaries, or adjustments in ovarian function during puberty and perimenopause. This situation often does not require treatment, but regular follow-up is required to ensure that there are no abnormalities.

2 Disease-related polycystic changes:

If polycystic changes are accompanied by abnormal symptoms such as menstrual disorders, obesity, elevated androgens such as hirsutism, acne, infertility, etc., it may indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Its occurrence is related to endocrine disorders and requires ultrasound, hormone tests such as testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, etc. to be finally diagnosed.

Treatment recommendations:

① Medication conditioning: For patients diagnosed with PCOS, doctors may prescribe medications to regulate menstruation such as birth control pills, medications to reduce androgen levels such as spironolactone, and ovulation-inducing medications such as clomiphene;

② Lifestyle intervention: Lifestyle intervention is the first choice. It is recommended to control diet, reduce high-sugar and high-fat intake, increase exercise such as brisk walking or yoga, and exercise for more than 150 minutes per week;

③Other treatments: If accompanied by infertility, ovulation induction therapy can be considered; obese people can choose metabolic surgery; if necessary, laparoscopic surgery can be considered as an auxiliary treatment.

3 Other reasons:

Polycystic ovarian changes may also be caused by other conditions, such as ovarian dysfunction, polycystic ovarian changes that are not PCOS, etc., which require further analysis through ultrasound and hormone tests.

If you find polycystic changes in your ovaries, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible to find out the cause. In some cases, this is normal, but if the problem is ignored, it may lead to abnormal menstruation, increased risk of infertility, etc. Regardless of the cause, a healthy lifestyle and regular gynecological examinations are always the core measures to maintain ovarian health.