Can normal menstruation cause polycystic ovary syndrome?

You may also have polycystic ovary syndrome if you have normal menstruation. The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome requires a comprehensive judgment based on clinical symptoms, hormone levels and ultrasound examination. Menstrual regularity cannot completely rule out the disease.

Some women with PCOS may have normal menstrual cycles but have other typical features. Such patients often have biochemical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, such as increased body hair, acne, etc., or ultrasound shows polycystic ovarian changes. Metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance and obesity may also occur independently of menstrual disorders. In clinical practice, about 20%-30% of patients have basically regular menstrual cycles, but hormone testing can reveal abnormalities such as an increased ratio of luteinizing hormone to follicle-stimulating hormone and an increased level of free testosterone.

Typical polycystic ovary syndrome patients are usually accompanied by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, which accounts for about 70%-80%. Persistent ovarian anovulation causes the endometrium to be stimulated by a single estrogen for a long time, which may lead to menstrual cycles exceeding 35 days, low menstrual flow, or even amenorrhea. At the same time, most patients are accompanied by obvious hyperandrogenic symptoms such as hirsutism and hair loss, as well as imaging features such as increased ovarian volume and an increased number of peripheral antral follicles under ultrasound. Symptoms tend to be more pronounced in people with a body mass index of over 24.

It is recommended that if you have recurring acne, abnormal increase in body hair, or infertility, you should seek medical examination even if your menstrual cycle is normal. The diagnosis can be confirmed through six sex hormone tests, glucose tolerance test, pelvic ultrasound and other examinations. It is necessary to maintain a daily body mass index between 18.5 and 23.9, engage in moderate-intensity exercise for more than 150 minutes per week, and reduce the intake of high-glycemic index foods, which can help improve insulin resistance and endocrine disorders.