We speak of polycystic ovaries when the ovaries present a high number of immature follicles, visible through ultrasound. This is a relatively common condition and does not necessarily imply the presence of cysts, although the name can be misleading.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). This change follows an international medical consensus aimed at ensuring that the name more accurately reflects the nature of this condition, which extends far beyond the ovaries and fertility.
For many years, the term PCOS may have led people to believe that the condition was primarily related to the presence of ovarian “cysts”. However, what is usually seen on an ultrasound scan are follicles that have not completed their development, rather than ovarian cysts as such. Furthermore, not all women with this syndrome have polycystic ovarian morphology. The new name focuses on the different systems that may be involved. PMOS is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that may be associated with:
Therefore, PMOS and the former PCOS refer to the same condition. The change in name does not mean that a new condition has emerged, nor does it alter the diagnostic criteria or available treatments. Its purpose is to encourage a more comprehensive understanding of the syndrome and highlight the importance of assessing a patient’s overall health beyond reproductive function.
Polycystic ovaries are a change in the usual number of follicles in the ovary. This condition can often be unnoticed, as it is asymptomatic.
In some women it can cause irregular periods and painful ovulation. These symptoms are usually solved with hormonal treatment to help re-establish the proper functioning of the female reproductive system.
One of the symptoms of this pathology is the presence of polycystic ovaries. PCOS also manifests itself through other symptoms caused by hormonal imbalance. In fact, the diagnostic criterion for PCOS is the presence of at least two of these symptoms. As there is no definitive pattern in the manifestation of this pathology, it is often difficult to diagnose it. These are the symptoms:
Hyperandrogenism is a medical condition characterised by an increased level of male hormones causing acne, excess body hair, etc.
Polycystic ovary syndrome involves an excessive production of these hormones. This leads to ovarian cysts in addition to other symptoms.
Anovulation is a condition in which the egg is not released from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
Changes or irregularities in the usual pattern of menstruation.
Polycystic ovaries are a very common gynaecological condition among women. Normally, it is a condition that does not necessarily imply the presence of other health issues.
However, polycystic ovary syndrome constitutes a problem in the woman’s endocrinology system. Although the causes are still to be determined, there is increasing evidence of the implications in its origin. Likewise, a woman’s lifestyle and habits have a direct impact in the development of this syndrome. Since they have different origins, their consequences vary.
Polycystic ovaries do not directly affect fertility. However, they may cause some difficulty in the ovulation process, which is usually easy to solve. In some cases, they can cause the production of poor-quality oocytes.
In the case of PCOS, the situation is different. Due to the hormonal imbalances that characterise this syndrome, a woman's fertility is directly affected. The excessive production of male hormones prevents the proper development of the follicles. As a result, the release of the egg is impaired in the ovary.
The treatment for PCOS may vary depending on the symptoms each affected woman has. Although there is no single cure, there are factors that can help control and better cope with its symptoms. Among the positive changes that can be made are those related to lifestyle:
Find answers to your questions
Having polycystic ovaries and having polycystic ovary syndrome is not the same. These are different conditions that share one symptom: polycystic ovaries. The origins of these pathologies are different. Furthermore, they affect the body in a different way, which is why the symptoms and consequences of both diseases are distinct.
