After Larissa Manoela’s announcement, understand what polycystic ovaries are

The announcement by actress Larissa Manoela, 21, this Tuesday (20) that she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary aroused the curiosity of internet users. There were more than 10,000 searches on the subject in the last few hours.

The interest may be related to the two main scenarios related to polycystic ovaries.

In the first, usually diagnosed in the first cycles after the onset of menstruation, the cysts arise due to an immaturity of the ovaries and the situation normalizes over the months. It’s as if the body still doesn’t know how to release them and needs some time to learn.

In the second, the cysts are a reflection of a metabolic disease that can lead to complications such as insulin resistance and infertility, the so-called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

“PCOS is different from the finding of polycystic ovary on ultrasound. Not necessarily the woman who had an ultrasound and saw the image of several small cysts distributed in the periphery of the ovary has the syndrome”, says doctor Gabriela Pravatta Rezende, member of the National Commission Specialized in Endocrine Gynecology at Febrasgo (Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations).

She explains that PCOS is the most common endocrine disease in women of reproductive age and is characterized by a disturbance in ovulation and an increase in male hormones. The irregular frequency of ovulation leads to an enlarged ovary with several follicles – precisely the eggs that should have come out – while male hormones cause increased hair, hair loss and acne.

There are also cases in which obese women or women with a thyroid disorder have an enlarged ovary without necessarily having PCOS, hence the importance of considering all symptoms and carrying out a complete evaluation.

“PCOS is diagnosed when all other causes of anovulation and increased male hormones are ruled out. In addition, we have to have at least 2 of 3 criteria: menstrual irregularity, increased male hormones, and on ultrasound, at least 20 follicles distributed in the periphery of the ovary that measure from 2 mm to 9 mm or an ovarian volume greater than or equal to 10 cubic centimeters”, differentiates the doctor.

As cases can happen at any age between the first period and menopause, there is often confusion in the diagnosis and specific tests are needed, such as hormone measurement and transvaginal ultrasound.

Generally, patients who seek care are long periods without menstruating and have difficulty getting pregnant, says gynecological surgeon Jessica Crema Tobara, professor of medicine at Faculdade Santa Marcelina.

She warns, however, that the diagnosis does not prevent pregnancies. “Patients with controlled PCOS can indeed become pregnant. On the other hand, patients with uncontrolled disease and without specialized follow-up can present anovulatory cycles and consequent difficulty for a spontaneous pregnancy.”

Disease control varies according to symptoms. Treatments for insulin resistance, acne and cholesterol metabolism dysfunction are considered, for example, but the main measure lies in a change in lifestyle.

“Routine physical exercise, weight loss and diet with control of carbohydrate intake bring excellent results and even normalization of the menstrual cycle and hormonal control”, says Tobara.