Why do women have polycystic ovary syndrome?

Many people are probably unfamiliar with polycystic ovary syndrome and have no idea what it is. In fact, polycystic ovary syndrome is a relatively common disease among female friends. Although this disease is not as terrible as cancer, it also requires everyone to pay attention and be vigilant. Today I will introduce to you what polycystic ovary syndrome is and how to solve it.

The cause of PCOS is still unclear, and the pathological mechanisms involved are very complex. It is generally believed to be related to dysfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, adrenal dysfunction, genetics, metabolism and other factors.

1. Genetics

PCOS is an autosomal dominant, X-linked (sex-linked) inheritance, or a disease caused by gene mutation. The chromosome karyotype of most patients is 46,XX, and some patients show chromosome aberration or mosaicism such as 46,XX/45,XO/46,XX/46,XXq and 46,XXq.

2. Adrenarche hypothesis

PCOS originates from prepubertal adrenal disease, that is, when subjected to strong stress stimulation, the zona reticularis secretes too much androgen, which is converted into estrogen outside the gonads, feedback-induced disturbances in the GnRH-GnH release rhythm of the HP axis and an increase in the LH/FSH ratio, which subsequently causes increased ovarian androgen production, that is, the adrenal glands and ovaries jointly secrete more androgen, leading to hyperandrogenemia. Hyperandrogenism causes thickening of the ovarian capsule fibrosis, inhibits follicular development, and causes ovarian cystic enlargement and chronic anovulation.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that this disease is mainly caused by kidney deficiency, phlegm and dampness, qi stagnation and blood stasis, damp heat in the liver meridians, etc., which lead to dysfunction of the kidney-tiangui-chongren-uterus axis, resulting in amenorrhea and infertility.

The most popular diet at present is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet: carbohydrates are the key to why people are too fat. Vegetarians, on the other hand, eat a high carbohydrate and low protein diet, and I have never met an obese vegetarian. So, many seemingly different diet plans may actually be effective. This just reinforces the fact that no matter which plan you choose, just keep the calories in mind and choose a plan you can stick with in the long run.

Choosing a diet that suits your tastes and preferences is the key to long-term adherence. Some women want structure in one product, a registered dietitian in another, and still others want the close follow-up of a doctor to make the diet plan successful. Others may not know how to control their food intake and may wish to try Dr. Atkins' high-protein diet because the total amount of food is not restricted. Some women don't want to give up many of the foods they enjoy, so scaling back their normal diet may be a good option for them.

Weight loss tips for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

I wanted to offer a specific weight loss method for a certain type of women: women with PCOS. This condition is an extremely common hormonal problem among women of childbearing age and a common fertility problem associated with excess weight. Experts estimate that at least 5% of women of childbearing age suffer from PCOS (at least one in every 20 women we see on the street does). PCOS has also been linked to a higher risk of miscarriage. In our hospital, I see a PCOS patient every day.

If you are overweight, have irregular periods, and have other common symptoms of PCOS (anxiety or excessive hair growth or acne), losing weight is probably your most effective treatment. The good news is that with PCOS, losing a small amount of weight (5% of your current body weight) is often all you need to do to significantly improve your fertility. The metabolic changes that occur after changing your diet can cause you to lose a few pounds, and starting an exercise program can put an end to PCOS. On the other hand, if you have PCOS symptoms and your periods have stopped for more than three months, or you have heavy bleeding, or you just want to confirm your symptoms, I suggest seeing a doctor first before considering weight loss.

Generally, I always refer all of my PCOS patients to a registered dietitian first to assess their situation and give their opinion. For women with PCOS, it is worthwhile to see a local registered dietitian and discuss an appropriate diet plan with them. Call ahead to make sure the dietitian is familiar with PCOS and insulin resistance.

The best diet for PCOS is the one a woman can stick to, no matter which plan she follows. Almost any diet will work, even if it involves limiting your food intake. If you're not sure what to look at with your diet, some type of high-protein, low-carb diet or a diabetic diet will work. The American Diabetes Association's diet plan is an excellent choice.

I don’t know how much you have understood about the knowledge about polycystic ovary syndrome that I introduced to you today. It is worth noting that no matter what kind of disease it is, we need to treat it with a normal mind, don’t be nervous, and don’t be anxious. Of course, if you still feel unwell, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible.