Cystic change in the ovaries is a hormonal disease. In other words, it is polycystic ovary, which in itself with timely treatment does not pose a serious threat to women's health. The worst that can be with this is the lack of ovulation.
In the ovaries, not only female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) are produced, but also male ones (androgens). But, when a cystic change in the ovaries occurs, the balance between them is disturbed. And due to the fact that the amount of androgen produced significantly exceeds the production of female sex hormones, ovulation does not begin.
The most important sign that indicates the presence of this ailment is a large number of small cysts (follicles) in the ovary. So, for example, a cystic change in the right ovary during ultrasound examination will look like an ovary, significantly increased in size. On its structural periphery there are many small cysts. But in the initial stages, this disease is conservatively treated with hormonal drugs.
This disease is most often caused by dysfunction of the adrenal glands, female genital glands and thyroid gland, hypothalamic-pituitary system, as well as a hereditary predisposition. Nowadays, this disease is increasingly associated with an excess of insulin, which can stimulate the production of androgen.
Cystic change in the ovaries has a number of signs and symptoms. In 100% of women with this disease, symptoms are primary infertility, lack of ovulation, menstrual irregularities (like oligo-amenorrhea), excessive hair growth on the body. An increase in ovarian size is not always observed. More than 50% of women have an increase in testosterone and LH, and hirsutism is also found. And less than 50% of them suffer from acne, obesity or alopecia.
The most accurate and complete diagnosis is determined not only by ultrasound. For this, other specific analyzes are still required. It is necessary to donate blood for hormones and for biochemical analysis. Also, tests for hidden infections, a smear on the microflora and a clinical analysis of blood and urine will be required.
Distinguish between true (primary) and secondary polycystic. In the first case, this is a hereditary disease, and in the second - a consequence of ovarian disease. The reason may be stress, a sharp decrease or increase in weight, taking contraceptives, breastfeeding. If you do not resort to treatment in a timely manner, this threatens infertility.
Often there are cystic-gliotic changes in the ovaries, which are cicatricial-adhesive changes during surgery. They themselves are not dangerous, but only if the tumor does not continue to grow. Very often, the cause of this ailment is inflammation. Most importantly, if an inflammatory process is detected, take timely measures to eliminate it. Otherwise, polycystic ovary will be difficult to cure.
Not so long ago, it was believed that the only way to treat this pathology is surgical. At the present time, the use of hormonal drugs is first prescribed, provided there are no tubular infertility factors. For those who are still sick and obese, weight loss is a prerequisite for therapy.
If the disease goes away for a long time without any treatment, this can lead to the appearance of uterine cancer and even breast cancer. That is why all girls and women with a diagnosis of cystic ovarian changes should undergo periodic courses of treatment with hormonal drugs, starting from adolescence.