Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Leading Cause of Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Leading Cause of Irregular Menstrual Cycles

Insights from Gynecologist Dr. Nuri Ceydeli

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormone-related disorders among women, affecting 5% to 10% of women worldwide. Gynecologist Dr. Nuri Ceydeli from Anadolu Health Center highlights the symptoms and management strategies for PCOS, emphasizing its impact on irregular menstrual cycles and fertility challenges.

What is PCOS?

While symptoms vary from person to person, the most common include:

• Irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism)
• Hyperandrogenism (high male hormone levels)
• Obesity
• Glucose intolerance
• Fatty liver
• Dyslipidemia
• Obstructive sleep apnea

"PCOS doesn’t have a direct cause identified, whether genetic or environmental," explains Dr. Ceydeli. "As such, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Stress caused by irregular menstrual cycles can exacerbate the condition, creating a cycle that further disrupts ovulation."

Why Does PCOS Affect Fertility?

PCOS often leads to hyperinsulinemia, or elevated insulin levels caused by insulin resistance. This can result in uncontrolled egg production in the ovaries, making ovulation inefficient.

"While PCOS complicates the timing of ovulation, it does not mean a woman cannot become a mother," says Dr. Ceydeli. "The main issue is the difficulty in timing intercourse with ovulation due to irregular cycles, which can delay conception."

Weight Management: The First Step in Treatment

Weight management plays a critical role in combating PCOS-related insulin resistance. "Achieving an ideal weight can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are closely linked to PCOS-related obesity and dyslipidemia," Dr. Ceydeli explains.

In addition to weight loss, other treatment options include:

• Birth control pills
• Progesterone treatments
• Insulin-sensitizing medications
• Ovulation-inducing drugs

"Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications," adds Dr. Ceydeli.

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