What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Loading the player...

Endocrinologist discusses polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis and treatment.

Endocrinologist discusses polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis and treatment.

121319 Views
Video transcript

Featuring Dr. Sabrina Gill, MD, MPH, FRCPC

Video Title : What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? Duration: 54 seconds

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects anywhere between five to 10 percent of women so it's a relatively common disorder.  

It's mainly a syndrome so it has a number of symptoms associated with it and it's a clinical diagnosis. Usually women present with a history of irregular periods, symptoms of excess testosterone or blood tests that show that they're producing excessive male hormones and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound.  

It is a diagnosis of exclusion so when you're being evaluated for that, you need to make sure that there's no other causes of your symptoms because there's a number of other diseases that can mimic it.  

So if you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see your physician and get further evaluation.

Presenter: Dr. Sabrina Gill, Endocrinologist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Endocrinologist

97-100 People got two or more of these video questions wrong... ( 18 participated.)

Quiz: Do You Understand Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Questions
 
True
False
1

Women with PCOS have no more difficulty getting pregnant than women without it.

Explanation:

In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, immature follicles form cysts or lumps, so the follicles can’t release eggs. Women with PCOS often don't have menstrual periods or have irregular periods, which often makes getting pregnant difficult.

2

Excess hair growth can be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Explanation:

PCOS symptoms include irregular, heavy or painful periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain and infertility.

3

If you have PCOS, your primary healthcare provider or endocrinologist may recommend that you undergo screening for type 1 diabetes.

Explanation:

If you have PCOS, your primary healthcare provider or endocrinologist may recommend that you undergo screening for type 2 diabetes. Researchers in one study of over 8,000 women found that those who had PCOS were 4 to 8.8 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women who didn’t have polycystic ovary syndrome.

4

There have been studies that have shown that even just a five percent loss in weight dramatically improves PCOS symptoms.

Explanation:

The most important treatment is lifestyle changes and weight loss in women who are overweight or obese. There have been studies that have shown that even just a five percent loss in weight dramatically improves symptoms and actually can regulate periods so exercising regularly.

5

There is a cure for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Explanation:

There is no cure for polycystic ovary syndrome, but your physician may refer you to an endocrinologist for PCOS management.

This content is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

QA Chat