PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, the male sex hormones typically present in women in trace amounts. The many little cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that develop in the ovaries are known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cysts can form in some women who do not have the condition, but not all. In this article, we will throw some light on PCOS symptoms.

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During ovulation, a mature egg is released from an ovary. This happens so that it can be fertilized by male sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, it is ejected from the body during your period.

Sometimes a woman may not produce enough of the hormones needed for ovulation. When ovulation is absent, the ovaries may develop a number of small cysts. Androgens are hormones that these cysts produce. Women with PCOS usually have higher-than-normal amounts of androgen. This may worsen a woman’s menstrual cycle issues. And many of the symptoms of PCOS. Medication is a common component of PCOS treatment. This can help with symptoms and even some health issues, even though it doesn’t treat PCOS.

Image source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos

What causes PCOS?

It is unclear what causes PCOS specifically. Insulin sensitivity is prevalent in PCOS patients. This indicates that the body doesn’t use insulin well. Greater androgen levels in the body can result from higher insulin levels. Furthermore, obesity may worsen PCOS symptoms and raise insulin levels. PCOS may run in families as well. Sisters or a mother and daughter frequently develop PCOS.

The risk of developing long-term effects like type 2 diabetes and heart disease may be decreased by losing weight and receiving early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms

PCOS symptoms frequently appear around the time of the first menstrual cycle. Sometimes, after having periods for a while, symptoms appear later.

Different PCOS symptoms exist. You are given a PCOS diagnosis when you show signs of at least two of them.

Irregular cycle– PCOS is frequently characterized by irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles. It’s also acceptable to have periods that last several days or longer than is typical for a period. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods each year. Furthermore, those intervals might last longer than 35 days. You can experience difficulties conceiving.

Too much androgen- Excessive body and facial hair may come from high androgen levels. Hirsutism is the term for this. Male-pattern baldness and severe acne can also occur occasionally.

Polycystic ovaries- Perhaps your ovaries are larger. On the ovary’s border, many follicles carrying immature eggs may form. It’s possible that the ovaries

some other symptoms may include.

• Missed periods, irregular cycles, or very light cycles
• large ovaries or ovaries with numerous cysts
• excessive body hair, especially on the back, stomach, and chest (hirsutism)
• gaining weight, especially around the abdomen (abdomen)
• oily skin or acne
• baldness with a male pattern or thinning hair
• Infertility
• small bits of extra skin around the neck or under the arms (skin tags)
• patches of thick or dark skin behind the breasts, in the armpits, and on the back of the neck.

Can PCOS exist without any symptoms?

Yes, PCOS can exist without any obvious symptoms. Many individuals don’t even recognize they have the illness until they experience difficulties getting pregnant or start accumulating weight for unexplained reasons. It’s also possible to have moderate PCOS, in which case your symptoms would go unnoticed.

Image source:https://elanhealthcare.ca/blogs/health-blog/a-review-of-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Both your medical history and your present symptoms will be discussed with your doctor. Also included is a physical examination. Most likely, this will include a pelvic exam. This examination assesses the internal and exterior health of your reproductive organs.

There are some PCOS symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. You might therefore be subjected to tests like:

• Ultrasound. In this exam, blood arteries, tissues, and organs are visualized using sound waves and a computer. This examination examines the size of the ovaries and checks for cysts. The test can also measure the uterine lining’s thickness (endometrium).
• A blood test. These scan for androgen and other hormone concentrations that are elevated. Your blood glucose levels could also be checked by a medical professional. Additionally, you could get your triglyceride and cholesterol levels examined.

Image source: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/7-signs-you-might-have-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome

Treatment for PCOS

Treatment for PCOS depends on a number of variables. Some of them include your age, the intensity of your symptoms, and your general state of health. The kind of treatment you undergo may also depend on whether you plan to become pregnant in the future.

The following therapies could be given to you if you do plan to become pregnant:

• a shift in diet and exercise. By eating better and exercising more, you can reduce your weight and ease your symptoms. They might increase insulin sensitivity in your body, lower blood sugar levels, and promote ovulation.
• ovulation-inducing drugs. The ovaries can release eggs normally with the aid of medications. These drugs come with certain hazards as well. They may raise the possibility of multiple births (twins or more). They can also stimulate the ovaries excessively. At this point, the ovaries overproduce hormones. It may result in symptoms including pelvic pain and bloating in the abdomen.

If you do not intend to get pregnant, your treatment may include:

• Oral contraceptives help to control menstrual cycles, lower testosterone levels, and get rid of acne.
• Diabetes medication This is widely used to lower insulin resistance in PCOS patients. Additionally, it might help to promote more regular ovulation, decrease hair growth, and lower testosterone levels.
• A change in activity and diet. By eating better and exercising more, you can reduce your weight and ease your symptoms. They might increase insulin sensitivity in your body, lower blood sugar levels, and promote ovulation.
• Drugs for treating additional symptoms. Some medications can help with hair growth.

Complications of PCOS

Certain significant health issues are more likely to affect women with PCOS. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, uterine cancer, heart and blood vessel problems, and high blood pressure. Patients typically have trouble getting pregnant (fertility).

Managing PCOS

Weight gain, hair growth, and acne are a few physical signs of PCOS that some women battle with. You might feel more confident in your appearance after receiving cosmetic procedures like electrolysis and laser hair removal. Discuss the best strategies to treat the symptoms that affect you with your healthcare professional.

Summary

• A relatively common hormonal issue for women of childbearing age is PCOS.
• PCOS can cause a woman to not ovulate, have high testosterone levels, and have a lot of little cysts on her ovaries.
• symptoms include missed or irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.
• Women with PCOS may have higher rates of endometrial cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems.
• Whether or not a woman intends to become pregnant may influence the sort of PCOS treatment she receives. Different types of drugs may be taken by women who hope to get pregnant in the future.

Keep reading for more!

Team MBD

Watch more- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome | PCOS | Nucleus Health – YouTube