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:
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Hormonal changes in PCOS |
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Hormones Increased |
Hormones Decreased |
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- 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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