What is the difference between polycystic ovary and pcos

Mona Lisa Touch. Gynaecological Examinations. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding. Uterine Polyps. Abnormal Pap Smears. Pelvic Pain. Ovarian Cysts. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Irregular Menstruation. Surgical Options.

Chronic Pelvic Pain. Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Fertility and IVF. Fertility Counselling. Difficulty Falling Pregnant.

Infertility Testing. Infertility Treatments. Should any of the symptoms above described appear, it is advisable to visit the specialist as soon as possible both to alleviate the possible discomfort and to prevent diseases such as diabetes in the case of PCOS. Polycystic ovaries PCO vs polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS Despite the importance of periodic gynecological examinations, something that we always insist on, most of the anomalies detected in these checkups are benign.

Many women confuse both pathologies, which we will now describe: Polycystic ovaries Polycystic ovaries , despite what may seem, are not directly related to the development of cysts, although they may cause their appearance. Polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS PCOS occurs when the ovaries or the female adrenal glands produce excessive male hormones, causing the appearance of ovarian cysts and the following symptoms : Irregular cycles.

Amenorrhea absence of periods. Increased body hair and hair loss, acne and obesity. Diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. It is important to note that the fluid filled structures in the ovaries associated with PCO are not technically cysts. Normally only two to five follicles develop at the one time and they are scattered throughout the ovary. Polycystic ovaries are larger and have a slightly different appearance to normal ovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a combination of PCO and a series of symptoms, typically:.

PCOS is a hormone condition and does not cause pain in the pelvic area. If you do experience pelvic pain and have some of the symptoms mentioned, then you may have PCO and another condition causing the pain e. PCOS does not usually need to be treated surgically. PCOS is diagnosed only when two of the following three symptoms are present and other causes are excluded:. You do not need to have an ultrasound if you have criteria 1 and 2. Cervical cancer is seen with fairly low frequency in women before menopause.

Overweight with PCOS and lack of menstruation have an increased risk of developing uterine mucosa. The treatment is aimed at normalizing the bleeding pattern so that regular mucosal rejection is achieved during menstruation. It can be done with birth control pills during periods when the woman does not want to get pregnant. Bleeding disorders are a frequent symptom of PCOS. It may be due to lack of ovulation, interfering with the sex hormones and affecting the lining of the uterus.

The degree of bleeding disorder can vary throughout life and especially in weight change. Therefore, women with bleeding disorders are divided into two groups - the slim and the obese:. In women with PCOS, the normal regulation of the menstrual cycle is disturbed. The menstrual cycle often becomes very long or stops completely. The ovaries also produce too many male sex hormones. The reason why the cycle stops and the ovaries produce too much male hormone is not known for sure.

In some cases, overweight may occur, but PCOS is also seen in perfectly normal women. LH helps make the ovaries produce more male hormone.

Women with PCOS also sometimes have a changed metabolism with a degree of "insulin resistance". It may be reminiscent of a lighter degree of type 2 diabetes "old-man diabetes". Since the metabolism of diabetes may be reminiscent of diabetes, it can also help women with PCOS to eat properly if they have diabetes.

That is, avoid sugar and white bread and other "easily transferable carbohydrates".