POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) OR DISEASE (PCOD)

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) OR DISEASE (PCOD)


PATHOGENESIS:

  • Multiple follicles do not develop and mature properly so they do not ovulate.
  •  LH to FSH ratio is often higher.
  • Increased level of male hormones testosterone and Andronestedione.
    • Because of increase in LH level or an increase in insulin level in the blood.
  • Adipose tissue possesses aromatase enzyme that converts androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol.
  • Excess of adipose tissues in PCOS 
    • Excess androgen → Hirsutism and virilization 
    • Estrogens→ Inhibits FSH via negative feedback.
  • Insulin resistance is present in obese and nonobese women with PCOS.
    • High responsiveness to insulin by the ovary as opposed to resistance of the whole body. 
    • Insulin has a direct stimulatory effect on androgen secretion by the ovary.
    • Hyperinsulinemia increases
      • GnRH pulse frequency
      • LH over FSH dominance
      • Increased ovarian androgen production
      • Decreased follicular maturation

CLINICAL FEATURES:

  • Patient age – 15 – 25 years.  

Chief Complaints :

  • Oligomenorrhea / amenorrhea / DUB
  • Infertility (30 % cases)
  • Hirsutism

Ovarian Pathology :

  • Ovaries are bilaterally enlarged 
  • Colour – Pearly white
  • Capsule – Tunica Albuginea is thickened
  • Theca cell hypertrophy (Stromal hyperthecosis due to T androgen levels)
  • Multiple follicular cysts, localized along the surface of ovary giving a “necklace appearance” on USG.

Signs and symptoms :

  • Hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, Androgenic alopecia not virilization)
  • Menstrual disturbance
  • Infertility
  • Abnormal glucose toler­ance test
  • Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2and waist :Hip ratio > 0.88, waist line > 3)

Possible late sequale:

  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Dyslipedemia
  • Hypertension, cardiovascular disease
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Ovarian Carcinoma
  • Adrenal hyperplasia
  • Breast cancer

Others :

  • HAIR-AN syndrome i.e. Hyper Androgenism, Insulin resistance and Acanthosis nigricans is seen in patients of PCOS.
  • Acanthosis nigricans       
  • Thickened and pigmented skin
  • Commonly affected areas – Nape of neck, Inner thighs and Axilla.
  • The skin changes are due to insulin resistance.

DIAGNOSIS: 

Hormonal changes in PCOS

Hormones Increased

Hormones Decreased

  • Androgens (Testosterone, Androstenedione DHEAS)
  • Luteinizing hormone (LH > 10 IUI ml)
  • Estrogen 
  • Insulin (> 10 m IU / L)
  • Prolactin (in some patients)
  • LDL / cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Progesterone (due to anovulation)
  • Sex hormone binding Globulin.
  • HDL & Apoprotein A-I
  • Ratio of LH/FSH in PCOS is > 2:1 

USG – Sonographic criteria for PCOD includes :

  • > 12 small cysto (2 to 9 mm in diameter)
  • Increased ovarian volume (> 10 ml) or both
  • The amount of stroma is increased relative to the number of follicles.

MANAGEMENT:

  • Symptom oriented 
  • Due to Central role of insulin resistance to the aetiology of PCOS, treatment is now aimed towards 
    • Improve insulin resistance  → Improves the regularity of menstrual cycles, ovulation, androgen levels.
    • Life style modification and metformin 
  • Continuous administration of GnRH analogues can be used in PCOD.

The life style modifications recommended in PCOS :

  • Dietary modification
  • Moderate exercise
  • Cessation of smoking
  • Moderate alcohol and caffeine intake

Metformin

  • Improves menstrual cyclicity and ovulation in PCOS
  • Offered to all women with anovulatory infertility due to PCOS 
  • Metformin is used as stand alone first line therapy it is continued for 6-12 months if regular ovulation is documented 
  • If it has not been effective after 3-6 months clomiphene should be added for further 6 months.

Surgery :

Indications :

  • Failure of medical therapy.
  • In case of Hyperstimulation.
  • Use of GnRH analogues is a cost constraint.

Procedure of Choice :

  • Endoscopic cauterization or CO2 laser vapourisation of the cysts. 
  • Laparoscopic ovarian drilling restores ovulation in PCOS patients resistant to clomiphene

Exam Important

  • Elevated LH hormone is seen in PCOD
  • PCOD Can cause infertility
  • PCOD May be associated with abnormal glucose toler­ance test
  • Polycystic ovaries is characterized by obesity,Theca cell hyperplasia and Hyperandrogenism both,Amenorrhoea or Oligomenorrhea, infertility and hirsutism/Alopecia
  • Increased LH / FSH ratio & DHEAs are seen in PCOD
  • Polycystic ovary disease is the most common cause of Hirsutism 
  • Poly cystic ovarian disease is associated with Endometrial carcinoma
  • High LH, low FSH and low Estradiol  are the hormonal changes seen in PCOD
  • Positive progesterone challenge test in a patient of secondary amenorrhoea, seen in PCOD
  • Sample for testing LH and FSH are best taken on  8-10 days of menstrual cycle in suspected case of PCOS
  • Ovarian carcinoma, Endometrial carcinoma,Adrenal hyperplasia &  Insulin Resistance are associated with PCOD
  • GnRH analogue is  used in treating PCOD
  • Metformin is used in treatment & control of Diabetes & PCOD
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