It runs along each line of health, even that of menstrual cycles, issues about fertility, or even that of metabolic well-being. However, though it is one of the commonest, it is the most undiagnosed or misinterpreted condition, hence one that really frustrates the patients. Amongst the most common and complex hormonal disorders confronting women during their age of reproduction are the cases of Polycystic ovary syndrome. Correspondingly, later in this blog, we have discussed what is PCOS and symptoms of PCOS, causes of PCOS and techniques for its management.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is the hormonal disorder which results in the imbalance of the reproductive hormones and leads to changes in ovaries like small fluid-filled sacs or cysts. The interference in the normal process of ovulation causes problems in the process of conception. It is estimated to affect about 5-10% of women, therefore being said to be one of the major causes of infertility of humans. It’s after effects however, go beyond that factor of reproduction since it can affect metabolic health, skin and even mental wellness.
Symptoms of PCOS
The symptoms of PCOS vary from one peculiar patient to another. Here are some of the most important ones;
- Irregular, infrequent or late menstruations: PCOS leads to infrequent or late menstruation and are hence known to be abnormal as it has hitch in ovulation.
- High Androgens: High male hormones in the body, androgens cause over-growth of hair on the face or the entire body; it leads to more acne formation and causes thinning and eventually male-patterned balding on the head.
- Polycystic Ovaries: It is begun by the ovarian enlargement full of multiple cysts which can be visualized with the help of ultrasonography.
- Majority of the females with PCOS are overweight and have fat deposition alongside this also in mid abdominal areas.
- Insulin Resistance: This would lead to either pre diabetes or type 2 diabetes
- Skin Related Disorders: There would be Acanthosis nigricans- Brown pigmentation of skin, skin tags, oily skin.
- Mood Disorders: Prone to vomiting, anxiety, mood swings.
- Infertility: In most of the women with PCOS, the disease is basically infertility due to anovulation.
What causes PCOS
The cause of PCOS is unknown. But several factors have been brought forth as likely contributing ones:
- Genetics: PCOS may have familial tendency which can mean that there must be a genetic component.
- Probably the most likely marker of PCOS is insulin resistance. When all them become an insulin-resistant cell, the body starts secreting much more than what it needs and causes the ovaries to secrete much more androgens.
- Ovulatory dysfunction resulting due to elevation of LH or imbalance between LH and FSH.
- Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation: When, in a body, there is chronic low-grade inflammation, it is possible that the possibilities of activating the ovaries to start production of androgens would be triggered.
- Poor dieting habits coupled with less exercises coupled with obese conditions worsen their symptoms besides predisposing them to the risk of developing PCOS.
Diagnosis of PCOS
It literally encompasses history, clinical examination, and investigations. The most commonly used are the ones outlined below also called the Rotterdam Criteria:
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles: This is a sign that there is a failure of ovulation
- Hyperandrogenism: either clinical which would then include hirsutism or on blood tests
- Polycystic Ovaries: this one is diagnosed using an ultrasound
Out of the three above, both of them must occur concurrently to justify a diagnosis. And all the conditions that would most likely initiate a presentation like this must be ruled out.
Management of PCOS
PCOS is not treatable but can be managed by lifestyle changes and medical treatment besides supportive care. The management approach is symptom and goal specific-for example, fertility-and general health.
Healthy Diet
- Should essentially consist of natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and fats.
- Processed foods should only be tolerated with refined sugars sometimes. This makes the insulin more sensitive
- The low GI diet makes the glycemic
Physiological activity
- A combination of aerobic exercises must be adopted which includes walking, swimming, and resistive training to increase the sensitivity of the insulin and make weight loss less challenging.
- In addition to achievement of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity
Weight Loss
5-10% of initial body weight may be associated with a good clinical response and return of normal ovulation in most women
Stress Reduction
Mindfulness, yoga, or meditation could be helpful in reducing the effects of stress otherwise contributing to hormonal imbalances
Health Care
- Hormonal Contraceptives
- Oral pills manage menstrual cycle reduces the concentration of androgen and all diseases like acne and hirsutism which disappear.
- Agents that are medication especially metformin enhance sensitivity to insulin manage menstrual cycle which also makes the process of weight loss easier
Induction of Ovulation
An age-bearing woman and therefore so keen to conceive: She shall be treated with anti-estrogen drugs like clomiphene citrate or the nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor letrozole that will induce them to ovulate
Anti-Androgen Drugs
Drugs: for example, spironolactone might fool the hirsutism and acne excess hair growths
Reproductive Therapies
Aseptic patients will fall into the large generic class categories as either In Vitro Fertilization or intrauterine insemination
Herbal Remedies
Additives
- Scientific researches demonstrated that the supplementation with Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol at the treatment of infertile patients is connected with the modification of sensitivity to insulin and ovaries activity.
- Omega-3 acids, vitamin D will be helpful for an organism to restore the restored state from such disease.
Acupuncture
- Acupuncture theoretically should be effective in inducing the process of ovulation and simultaneously to reduce tension. That is, only valid evidence at a level.
- One of the other pertinent components in the treatment of PCOS is psychological wellbeing. Counselling or therapy will help manage the psychological implications that accompany PCOS- body image, anxiety, or depression.
Health Consequences that Last a Lifetime
A medical condition caused by PCOS includes: a group of lifelong medical conditions. They are:
Type 2 Diabetes
This can be prevented and delayed due to monitoring of your blood glucose and also modification of lifestyle.
Cardiovascular Disease
- You can contribute with regulation of cholesterol, BP control, and weight loss
- Endometrial Cancer It is not associated with failure of ovulation typically results in continued exposure to the known or suspected agent most likely to cause endometrial cancer. Hormonal therapy or cycles on drugs may decrease this risk.
Psychiatric Disorders
Psychiatric treatment could be maintained for decades so that quality of life as a whole is maintained.
Myths Busted PCOS Causes Sterility
Here, the issue lies with the fact that most women want to conceive, but most women with PCOS conceive well if they are under proper management.
PCOS only occurs in Obese Women
PCOS occurs at all body weights, however, the symptoms vary.
Women always have ovarian cysts
Not every woman with PCOS manifests detectable ovarian cysts
Conclusion
PCOS is life diseases everything should never be debilitating and proper care by women lead to active healthy life. It’s on management; it is everything about early diagnosis and developing individualized treatment program along with long term support in order to limit symptom development and possibilities of complications over time. Education and wholesome lifestyle choices could make the journey of living with PCOS a journey of resiliency and wellness.
If you think you might have PCOS symptoms or you probably are indeed suffering with a condition, then you should discuss this with your healthcare provider so that you can manage for your care appropriately.
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