Understanding Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Many women of reproductive age suffer from the common hormonal condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. Numerous symptoms, including weight gain, acne, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods, might result from it. Multiple ovarian cysts, which can interfere with ovulation and cause problems with fertility, are one of the main characteristics of PCOS. Bilateral polycystic ovaries, one of the many forms of PCOS, are characterised by cysts in both ovaries. This condition may result in more severe symptoms and call for specialised care to be efficiently managed.

What Are Bilateral Polycystic Ovaries?

Multiple little cysts in both ovaries are referred to as bilateral polycystic ovaries. Hormonal imbalances that can result in ovulation dysfunction and other symptoms are the hallmarks of PCOS, which includes this illness. PCOS is not present in all women with polycystic ovaries, though. Other diagnostic requirements must also be fulfilled so polycystic ovaries by themselves do not always signify PCOS.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Causes:

Although the exact cause of bilateral polycystic ovaries is unknown, several factors are believed to play a role in its development. Some of them are:

Insulin Resistance: Excessive androgen production brought on by high insulin levels interferes with ovulation and causes ovarian cysts.

Chronic Low-grade Inflammation: Low-grade inflammation can lead to an increase in androgen production by the ovaries, which can lead to the development of cysts.

Genetic Predisposition: Genetic factors raise the risk if there is a family history of PCOS.

Hormonal Imbalances: Cysts are caused by improper ovulation, which is prevented by excess androgens and aberrant LH/FSH levels.

Lifestyle Factors: Several lifestyle factors, including obesity, can increase symptoms.

Risk Factors:

The following factors may make a woman more susceptible to bilateral polycystic ovaries:

Family history: PCOS is more common in women who have a family history of the disorder.

Obesity: Since it can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances, being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for bilateral polycystic ovaries.

Ethnicity: Bilateral polycystic ovaries are more common in some ethnic groups, though this is not exclusive.

Other medical conditions: Bilateral polycystic ovaries are more likely to develop in women who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

Common Symptoms

Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Hormonal abnormalities can cause periods to be missing, delayed, or infrequent.

Excessive Hair Growth (hirsutism): Unwanted facial, chest, or back hair growth brought on by elevated testosterone levels.

Acne and Oily Skin: Prolonged acne and oily skin problems are caused by increased sebum production.

Insulin resistance: It is frequently connected to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, which makes weight control difficult.

Thinning Hair on the Scalp: Male-pattern baldness-like hair loss or decreased density brought on by hormonal changes.

Impact on Fertility

Hormonal imbalances and irregular ovulation caused by PCOS can have a major effect on fertility. Ovulation may be irregular or non-existent in women with the disease, making conception problematic. Conception is difficult due to the further disruption of reproductive hormones caused by high testosterone levels and insulin resistance.

The quality of eggs can also be impacted by bilateral polycystic ovaries, which can result in larger ovaries with many cysts. The development of the uterine lining for implantation may be compromised even after ovulation. Nonetheless, many women with PCOS can conceive and have a healthy pregnancy with the help of appropriate medical intervention, lifestyle modifications, and fertility medicines like ovulation enhancers.

Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation

A physical examination, diagnostic testing, and medical history are all used to diagnose PCOS. Physicians evaluate symptoms such as weight increase, excessive hair growth, and irregular periods. Multiple ovarian cysts can be seen on a pelvic ultrasound, which aids in the detection of bilateral polycystic ovaries.

To detect abnormalities, blood tests evaluate the levels of several hormones, such as insulin, androgens, and reproductive hormones. Lipid and glucose tests also look for metabolic problems and insulin resistance. The Rotterdam criteria, which require at least two of the three essential signs—irregular ovulation, elevated androgen levels, or ovarian cysts—are used by doctors to diagnose and treat PCOS because no one test can definitively identify the condition.

Treatment Options

Managing symptoms and avoiding complications are the main goals of treatment for bilateral polycystic ovaries. Both non-surgical and surgical options may be part of the treatment plan:

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Frequent exercise aids in weight loss, menstrual cycle regulation, and insulin sensitivity improvement. Insulin resistance can also be controlled by a well-balanced diet high in fibre, low in processed sweets, and rich in natural foods. Stress-reduction methods that promote hormonal balance and general well-being include yoga, meditation, and getting enough sleep.

Medications

Several medicines can be used to treat PCOS symptoms. Birth control tablets treat hirsutism and acne by controlling menstrual periods and lowering testosterone levels. Metformin improves ovulation, lowers weight gain, and treats insulin resistance. Spironolactone is one anti-androgen that can help reduce excessive hair growth.

Fertility Treatments

Ovulation-inducing drugs such as letrozole or clomiphene citrate can help women with PCOS who are having trouble conceiving. If all other options fail, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) could be taken into consideration. Additionally, controlling weight and changing one’s lifestyle can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

Potential Complications if Left Untreated

Bilateral polycystic ovaries can cause several health issues if treatment is not received:

Infertility: Women with PCOS have trouble getting pregnant due to ovulation issues.

Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance: One of the main contributing factors to PCOS is insulin resistance, which raises the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Heart disease: Obesity linked to PCOS, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol raise the risk of heart disease.

Sleep apnea: The risk of sleep apnea is increased by obesity and insulin resistance in PCOS.

Anxiety and depression: PCOS’s emotional and physical effects might exacerbate these conditions.

Endometrial cancer: The uterine lining may thicken due to irregular menstrual cycles, raising the risk of endometrial cancer.

Conclusion

Effective treatments and lifestyle modifications can help control symptoms and enhance reproductive outcomes, even if dealing with bilateral polycystic ovaries can be challenging. Many people with PCOS can live healthy, satisfying lives if they receive the right medical advice. To avail of additional information, you can head over to the Oasis Fertility Clinic near you. You can also engage in a discussion with us using the live chat facility or call us at 1800-3001-1000 for immediate help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to regulate weight with bilateral polycystic ovaries?

Yes, keeping a healthy weight can help control symptoms including weight gain and irregular periods as well as insulin levels.

Can bilateral polycystic ovaries Be Helped by Exercise?

Yes, consistent exercise can help control weight, enhance insulin sensitivity, and regulate menstrual cycles.

Can an early menopause result from bilateral polycystic ovaries?

Although PCOS may not be the direct cause of early menopause, it can influence hormone production and the menstrual cycle, which in certain situations might result in accelerated ovarian aging.