Dr. Ioannis K. Raptis is a certified physician (MIC II title) for performing advanced laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries, accredited by the German Society for Gynecological Endoscopy (AGE). The majority of patients are offered the option of laparoscopic or robotic procedures without hospitalization.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that commonly affects women of reproductive age and primarily causes:
In many cases, the condition may also lead to fertility problems.
Women with this endocrine disorder are characterized by impaired egg maturation, resulting in the accumulation of immature follicles without ovulation. These follicles produce increased amounts of androgens, leading to the typical symptoms of the condition.
Most patients are unaware that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is, at its core, a metabolic disorder. For this reason, it is more commonly observed in overweight women and is considered a risk factor for the development of diabetes.
In addition, the polycystic appearance of the ovaries—which may be due to various hormonal disturbances—is often confused, even by healthcare professionals, with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. However, the diagnosis of PCOS is based on specific clinical criteria and not solely on ultrasound findings.
The diagnosis of the syndrome is based on specific criteria, which include the characteristic ultrasound appearance of the ovaries, the presence of hyperandrogenism symptoms (excessive hair growth, acne, etc.), menstrual irregularities or delayed periods, as well as specific findings in the patient’s hormonal blood tests.
The treatment of the syndrome is multifaceted and is tailored to the symptoms, age, family planning goals, and the individual characteristics of each patient.
In the majority of cases, aerobic exercise and weight loss—especially in overweight patients—form the cornerstone of treatment. Modern inositol-based dietary supplements can also contribute to addressing the metabolic aspects of the syndrome.
In young women who simply wish to manage the symptoms caused by the syndrome, the use of oral contraceptive pills represents another effective therapeutic option; however, it does not target the underlying cause of the condition.
In women who are trying to conceive, specific medications may be used for more effective control of the metabolic disturbance and restoration of a regular menstrual cycle. At the same time, ovulation induction therapy can be administered to achieve pregnancy through natural intercourse.
In the few cases where symptoms persist, ovarian drilling is an additional option in the gynecologist’s armamentarium. This is a laparoscopic procedure during which the surgeon removes a significant number of small cysts from the ovaries, leading to a reduction in androgen levels and stabilization of the menstrual cycle. The beneficial effects and the increased likelihood of conception are documented for at least six months following the procedure.
It is important to understand that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is fundamentally a metabolic disorder. For this reason, a balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise, and weight loss play a significant role in regulating the condition and, consequently, the menstrual cycle. In practice, a weight reduction of approximately 7–10% is often sufficient to help restore menstrual regularity and reduce symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as acne, hair loss, and oily skin.
Exercise plays a key role in managing the syndrome, both through weight reduction and through its beneficial effects on metabolism. Regular aerobic exercise (such as walking, light jogging, or swimming) has been shown to be particularly effective. In fact, the combination of aerobic exercise and weight loss has been proven to be more effective than any pharmacological treatment alone.
It is quite possible for a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to experience mood fluctuations. The hormonal imbalance associated with the condition, delays in the menstrual cycle, and symptoms of hyperandrogenism may significantly affect a woman’s psychological well-being.
Some studies suggest that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have a genetic predisposition to a certain extent. This means that women whose mothers had the syndrome may be more likely to develop it themselves. However, as with any genetic predisposition, environmental factors and lifestyle can significantly influence the likelihood of developing the condition, either increasing or reducing the risk.
Oral contraceptive pills are a very good option for managing the symptoms of the syndrome in young patients who also wish to use contraception. In essence, contraceptives do not cure the condition, but they regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the symptoms of hyperandrogenism for as long as they are used. Once their use is discontinued, the symptoms of the syndrome typically return.
A woman with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience difficulties in achieving pregnancy. This happens because the syndrome can delay or prevent ovulation. As a result, it becomes more difficult for the patient to predict her fertile days, and these may be fewer compared with a woman who has a regular menstrual cycle.
These are two completely different conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder that affects metabolism and ovarian function. In this condition, the ovaries do not contain true cysts but rather multiple small follicles (less than 1 cm in size), which are typically arranged around the outer part of the ovaries. In contrast, ovarian cysts are larger cystic formations (usually greater than 2 cm). They are not caused by a hormonal disorder and, in most cases, they resolve spontaneously without any medical treatment.
