Overview
Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries refers to a condition where the ovaries develop tiny, fluid-filled sacs called cysts, which results in issues with ovulation. This is commonly seen in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects normal ovulation. Though the term sounds scary, it is a commonly occurring reproductive condition among women of reproductive age. Having bilateral PCO can affect the frequency of periods, hormonal balance and the potential to conceive in women. However, early diagnosis of symptoms and early treatment can help manage it effectively.
What Does Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries Mean?
Bilateral” means that both ovaries are affected. The ovaries appear enlarged and contain numerous small follicles (2-9 mm in diameter). They appear on the ovaries like a ‘string of pearls’ during an ultrasound scan. These follicles are immature eggs that haven’t been ovulated and released during a menstrual cycle. It is important to note that women with Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries might not have PCOS, and yet, the correlation often occurs, accompanied by hormonal imbalance and irregular periods.
Causes of Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries
Many underlying causes result in Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries in women. Some of the causes of Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries are :
- Hormonal Imbalance: Excess androgen levels in women can interfere with follicle development, preventing ovulation and contributing to other symptoms like acne and excessive hair growth.
- Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels can stimulate androgen production.
- Genetic Predisposition: It increases the risk of developing bilateral polycystic ovaries through a combination of genetic variations that affect hormones and the menstrual cycle.
- Lifestyle Factors: An unhealthy lifestyle that includes poor diet, lack of physical exercise and irregular sleeping patterns.
Symptoms of Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries
The symptoms of Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries are similar to PCOS symptoms. They include:
- Irregular or Absent periods: Since ovulation doesn’t happen normally, periods can happen randomly or may not happen at all.
- Excessive Hair Growth: Hirsutism is a condition characterised by unwanted facial hair in women due to elevated androgen levels.
- Acne: Due to hormonal imbalances, the skin tends to be more oily, leading to breakouts.
- Weight Gain or Difficulty losing weight: Since the body is resistant to insulin, and there's a hormone imbalance, rapid weight gain may occur.
- Hair Thinning on the Scalp: Because androgen levels are high, hair may start falling out or thinning.
- Difficulty Conceiving: Considering irregular ovulation, it is generally harder to predict fertile windows and conceive naturally.
How are Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries Diagnosed?
There are three major diagnostic methods to assess if someone is suffering from Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries:
- Ultrasound Scan: An ultrasound scan gives a visual image of the ovaries. If 12 or more follicles ranging from a diameter of 2 mm to 9 mm are present in the scan, one can conclude that they have Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries.
- Blood test: The blood test or the hormone test checks the levels of LH, FSH, testosterone, insulin, and prolactin. Abnormal levels confirm hormonal imbalance or insulin resistance.
- Clinical Symptoms: Physicians also analyse physical symptoms like thinning of hair, hirsutism, weight gain, etc.
These methods aid in diagnosing bilateral polycystic ovaries.
Treatment Options for Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries
Unfortunately, Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries cannot be “cured” completely. However, one can manage their symptoms through medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
Medical Treatments
- Medications for regulating menstrual cycles, such as birth control pills.
- Fertility medications help women trying to conceive stimulate ovulation.
- Insulin-regulating medications may be suggested to improve insulin resistance
- Acne and hair growth can be treated using anti-androgen pills
Lifestyle Changes
- Healthy Diet : Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables while minimising processed foods and sugar intake.
- Regular Exercise : At least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days helps improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance.
- Weight Management : Losing even 5–10% of body weight can restore menstrual regularity and improve ovulation.
Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries and Fertility
Women diagnosed with bilateral polycystic ovaries often have compromised fertility and face multiple challenges due to hormonal imbalance. As a result, their ovulation pattern is irregular or absent. In some cases, bilateral PCOS and pregnancy can be harder because eggs aren’t released on time, making it harder to conceive naturally. They are more prone to infertility if not treated. However, with the right medical intervention, women do conceive naturally. IVF or ovulation induction medications can help in achieving ideal fertility outcomes.
Conclusion
To conclude, Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries means that both ovaries have multiple cysts on them. This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility potential and hormonal imbalance. Fortunately, it can be managed effectively with proper medication and making sustainable life modifications. Successful conception is possible in women when there is timely medical treatment available.
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Common Questions Asked
How can I reduce my bilateral polycystic ovaries?
You can manage your Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries through medication and lifestyle changes. Medications such as birth control pills help in regulating menstrual cycles, stimulating ovulation. Adopting lifestyle changes such as exercises, consuming a healthy diet, and managing stress can also help in naturally reducing your Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries.
Can I get pregnant with Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries?
Though your fertility potential does decrease with bilateral polycystic ovaries, many women do successfully conceive with it. Fertility treatments like IVF and ovulation induction stimulate ovulation, helping women overcome this condition and become pregnant naturally.
What is the difference between polycystic ovaries and PCOS?
Polycystic ovaries means the presence of numerous cysts on the ovaries, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that involves irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair, including the presence of cysts. Having polycystic ovaries doesn’t indicate PCOS, though the correlation does occur, as it is the primary symptom of PCOS.
How are Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries treated naturally?
Natural management includes adopting a low-sugar, high-fibre diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress control. These habits can help regulate hormones and support ovulation.
What does bilateral polycystic ovaries on ultrasound mean?
On an ultrasound image, the cysts appear in a ‘string of pearls’ pattern on both the ovaries. This usually indicates the patient may have PCOS.
Are bilateral polycystic ovaries painful?
In most cases, bilateral polycystic ovaries are not painful but some patients do report experiencing pelvic pain, bloating or general discomfort due to the symptoms associated with enlarged ovaries.