PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Symptoms, impacting millions of women globally. This is a hormonal disorder that often affects the menstrual cycle of a woman, resulting in irregular periods. At the same time, Women with PCOS frequently report that their periods are lasting for more than 8 days. Although a dysfunctional menstrual cycle is one of the most evident symptoms of PCOS, sometimes PCOS doesn’t produce any signs or noticeable symptoms. Even though PCOS is one of the most common health issues, there is still a lack of awareness.
This article aims to educate you about the symptoms, causes, and cures for this hormonal disease.
Understanding PCOS
PCOS is a hormonal issue diagnosed by the existence of several cysts in a woman’s ovary. Increased levels of male hormones are one of the significant characteristics of this hormonal disease. While affecting the reproduction system, it also affects the metabolism, leading to irregular periods and considerable weight gain.
Symptoms of PCOS
Although irregularity of period is one of the most evident symptoms of PCOS, sometimes a woman with PCOS doesn’t experience any changes in their menstrual cycle. Therefore, we can say the symptoms may vary from person to person. Still, some common symptoms help you to diagnose this hormonal disorder, such as
Irregular Periods
As mentioned, irregular periods are one of the most noticeable signs of PCOS. Women with PCOS often don’t get their periods on time. Sometimes, they don’t even get their periods for months, making it extremely difficult for them to assess their ovulation period.
Excessive pain during the period
Women with PCOS often report experiencing unbearable menstrual pain. This pain becomes so intense that they have to take medicines to reduce the intensity of pain. According to health experts, PCOS often causes menstrual cramps, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
Higher levels of male hormones
PCOS often increases the male hormone (Androgen) level in a woman’s body. Higher Androgen levels usually produce noticeable signs like excessive facial hair, a male-like voice and stubborn acne.
Extreme Hair fall
A significant reduction in hair volume often indicates PCOS. Women with PCOS frequently report experiencing sudden hair fall, leading to baldness and affected hair growth. Sometimes, a PCOS patient at a very young age suffers from excessive hair loss, impacting their appearance and self-confidence
Massive Weight gain
As mentioned earlier, PCOS doesn’t only impact your reproductive system; it also affects your metabolism. As a result, people experience massive weight gain, which gradually leads to obesity and other complicated health issues.
Infertility
Due to the irregularity of periods, a person fails to detect their ovulation time, making it extremely difficult for them to conceive. Sometimes, PCOS even causes irregular ovulation, causing severe complications related to birthgiving. In such conditions, one has to visit a doctor. A doctor might examine the ovary’s condition and prescribe the right medicines to treat the hormonal imbalances.
Causes of PCOS
The root cause of PCOD is still unknown; however, multiple factors can trigger PCOD at any age. Here are some significant causes of PCOS suggested by the researchers.
Heredity
Researchers have stated that PCOS may have a hereditary influence. According to the research evidence, a woman with a strong family history of PCOS is more likely to get diagnosed with PCOS at any stage of her life. Therefore, we can say heredity and genetics have a significant influence in triggering the symptoms of PCOS.
Hormonal issues
PCOD is primarily known as a hormonal disorder. Hence, we can say hormonal imbalance is one of the most significant reasons for PCOS. A woman with a higher level of Androgen and Testosterone often produces all the evident signs of PCOS.
Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices
Unhealthy lifestyle choices like bad diets, improper sleep, lack of physical activities and eating a lot of junk often contribute to the development of PCOS. This is why a lot of doctors call it a lifestyle disease.
How to cure PCOS?
Researchers have stated that there is no permanent cure for PCOS. However, there are some practical ways to manage the stubborn symptoms of PCOS. Here, we are listing some treatments and cures for PCOS. Incorporating these ways might offer you long-term relief from PCOS symptoms.
A healthy Diet
A healthy diet holds major contribution in reducing the annoying symptoms of PCOS. Plan a diet that contains a lot of healthy fibers, lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats and lots of antioxidants. Conversely, restrict yourself from consuming oily foods and junk. Do not consume refined sugar to have strict control over this weight gain issue.
Exercise daily
People with severe PCOS must exercise a lot. If you are a beginner, start your workout with cardio exercises. As time passes and your body gains more strength, invest some time in weight training. Such regular exercises will reduce the symptoms of PCOS, fix your menstrual cycle and improve your metabolism.
Take proper medicines
In severe conditions, doctors often prescribe birth control pills to regulate the period cycle and reduce complications. They might also prescribe anti-androgen medicines to reduce the androgen levels in your body. Such effective pills help to reduce the severe symptoms of PCOS. However, one should take these medicines only under the proper supervision of one’s doctor. Also, do not stop or start medicine without consulting your doctor; such actions might worsen your condition.
Surgery
In severe cases, surgery becomes the only option. If the above-listed treatments fail to make noticeable improvements, your doctor might decide to perform surgery. Advanced surgical procedures such as ovarian drilling might work in reducing the complicated signs of PCOS..
Conclusion
PCOS is affecting millions of women every year. Although this problem has no direct cure, with small lifestyle changes and medications, you can hope for significant improvements. Remember, raising awareness and gaining proper insights about PCOS are essential to achieving the needed improvements. Also, it might take a lot of time to produce some improvements. Remember to remain patient and consistent about your healing journey
