PCOS is a shorthand name for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a health issue found in women who are in reproductive years, from age 15 to 44 years. Women and girls cannot realize they have it because individuals are unique when it comes to signs and symptoms.
In short, PCOS is a hormonal disorder. If you suffer from PCOS, your body overproduces male hormones (androgens). This is the cause of symptoms like an irregular menstrual period, infertility, and more hair on your face or body than you would want. It also has the ability to lead to long-term illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.
Let us learn what PCOS causes, PCOS symptoms, and treatment.
What Are the Major PCOS Symptoms?
PCOS signs and symptoms differ for every woman. Some of them have many, while some have only a few. These are the most frequent ones:
- Irregular periods – Your period is late, or you might not even get any for months.
- Excess hair growth – On your face, chest, tummy, or on your back (also known as hirsutism).
- Hair loss or thinning – Mainly on your head.
- Acne – You get pimples on your face, chest, or back.
- Skin dark marks – Usually on the breast, neck, or armpit.
- Weight gain – Especially around your waist.
- Mood swings – You usually feel sad, worried, or nervous most of the time.
- Difficulty getting pregnant – Because your body cannot ovulate efficiently (this is also known as ovulation).
- Small ovarian cysts – Identified by an ultrasound scan undertaken by a doctor.
Some people with PCOS are totally symptom-free, and hence, it is that difficult to identify.
Why does PCOS occur?
Doctors do not know precisely why PCOS occurs, but some things can lead to it:
- Hormonal imbalance – Your body is over-producing androgens (male hormones), which may inhibit ovulation and lead to most PCOS symptoms.
- Insulin resistance – You are making insulin but are not able to utilize it effectively. This will increase your androgen and blood sugar levels and lead to overweight status.
- Genetics – PCOS is usually inherited. If your mother, sister, or aunt has PCOS, there is a chance you can develop it as well.
- Inflammation – Some women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation in the body that also raises androgen levels.
Types of PCOS
There are some types of PCOS, as categorized by some physicians, based on your symptoms and hormones:
- Type A (Complete PCOS): Elevated androgens, abnormal periods, and cysts in the ovaries.
- Type B: Irregular periods and high androgens, but no cysts.
- Type C: Regular periods but high androgens and cysts.
- Type D: Irregular periods and cysts but regular androgens.
There are also unofficial types that are:
- Insulin-resistant PCOS
- Post-pill PCOS – After stopping birth control
- Inflammatory PCOS
PCOS and Hormones
Your body has different types of hormones. Some control your period and your ability to have children. When you have PCOS, the following hormones are not in balance:
- Androgens – Too elevated in those with PCOS. Promote hair growth and acne, and suppress ovulation.
- Insulin – This may be too high if your body is insulin-resistant.
- FSH and LH – Ovary-stimulating hormones that govern ovulation. These hormones become out of balance in PCOS.
- Progesterone – Usually too low, leading to missed periods.
- Estrogen – Too high in relation to progesterone.
This hormonal imbalance creates most PCOS symptoms.
Treatment of PCOS
PCOS can not be cured but treated and controlled. Treatment depends on whether you do not want to get pregnant.
If You Do Not Want to Get Pregnant
- Birth control pills – Regulates periods, acne, and hirsutism.
- Progestin therapy – Hormonal control and uterine cancer prevention.
- Metformin – Diabetes medication that decreases insulin and androgens.
- Anti-androgen pills – Hair and acne prevention. But not when you are pregnant.
If You Have To Get Pregnant
- Clomiphene (Clomid) – Makes you ovulate (egg released).
- Letrozole (Femara) – Second medication used to ovulate.
- Metformin – Can be beneficial if clomiphene does not work.
- Gonadotropins – Injections that release the egg.
- IVF (In vitro fertilization) – Mixes egg and sperm in the laboratory. Expensive but can work well.
- Surgery (Ovarian Drilling) – A little operation to make your ovaries produce eggs more successfully. Not used much these days.
Lifestyle Tips for PCOS
Healthy living, aside from medication, can indeed manage PCOS symptoms and promote fertility.
Eat a Healthy Diet
- Choose whole grains, lean proteins, fruit, and veggies.
- Avoid added sugars and white flour (white bread or rice).
- Eat daily at the same time to help with insulin.
Exercise Every Day
- Try walking, dancing, swimming, or biking.
- At least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
- Exercise helps with weight, mood, and hormone balance.
Get Plenty of Rest
- Go to bed each night at the same time.
- Make the bedroom dark and cool.
- No phones and computer screens at bedtime.
Control Stress
- Try relaxation breathing or meditation.
- Talk this over with a good friend or family member.
- Exercise also relieves stress.
Conclusion
PCOS is quite a prevalent illness that affects all women, yet it is something that can be under your control if you are guided. Information regarding symptoms of PCOS, treatment of PCOS, and healthy characteristics of lifestyle is where you ought to start.
If you suspect that you have PCOS, then visit the doctor. You are not alone, and with proper treatment, you can lead a healthy and heavenly life.