Patient's question:
Last year, I experienced sudden severe abdominal pain during sexual activity. Later, I went to the hospital for a vaginal ultrasound, which revealed: the uterus is retroverted, measuring approximately 40x35x42mm, with normal morphology, uniform muscle wall echoes, no obvious mass echoes, centrally located endometrial cavity line, endometrial thickness of about 12mm, and cervical thickness of about 30mm, with multiple anechoic areas visible inside, the larger ones measuring about 4x3mm. The left ovary is approximately 36x19mm, with more than ten dark areas visible on cross-section, the larger ones measuring about 6x5mm (internal transparency is poor). The right ovary is approximately 33x17mm, with more than ten dark areas visible on cross-section, the larger ones measuring about 16x12mm (internal transparency is poor). No obvious abnormal echoes were observed inside. A liquid dark area with a transverse diameter of about 19mm was visible in the uterosacral fossa.Last month, I had another examination, which showed clear bilateral ovaries, with more than ten small anechoic areas visible on single-plane images, well-defined borders, intact capsules, and the largest measuring about 0.6x0.7cm, with no obvious dominant follicles. A free liquid dark area with a maximum width of about 1.0cm was visible at the back of the uterus.
Later, the doctor recommended a six-item sex hormone test, which I took on the second day of my menstrual period. The results were as follows: testosterone 0.44 ng/ml, prolactin 658.20 uIU/ml, luteinizing hormone 8.30 mIU/ml, follicle-stimulating hormone 6.20 mIU/ml, progesterone II 0.58 ng/ml, and estradiol 43.27 pg/ml.
Doctor's answer:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder characterized by the coexistence of reproductive dysfunction and abnormal glucose metabolism. Persistent anovulation, immature multiple follicles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance are its key features, making it the most common cause of menstrual disorders in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by menstrual irregularities, amenorrhea, anovulation, hirsutism, obesity, infertility, and bilateral ovarian enlargement with cystic changes.The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis of PCOS is closely related to the kidneys, liver, and spleen. The formation of pathological products such as phlegm-dampness and blood stasis collectively disrupts the "kidney-Tian Gui-Chong Ren-Bao Gong" reproductive axis. Treatment can be tailored based on syndrome differentiation, and Chinese herbal medicine may be used to regulate the condition.