Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a prevalent hormonal condition. The condition occurs by an overabundance of hormones produced by the ovaries, which are the organs responsible for creating and releasing eggs. In PCOS, ovaries generate abnormally high levels of androgens or male hormones. Naturally, the reproductive hormones fall out of balance as a result. Patients with PCOS experience abnormal menstrual periods, unclear ovulation, and unpredictable menstrual cycles.

PCOS also causes anovulation or the lack of ovulation. This can cause small follicular cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs holding immature eggs, to appear on your ovaries during ultrasonography. Even though PCOS is sometimes referred to as polycystic, ovarian cysts are not typically associated with this.

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women and A Feminine Gender Identity (AFAB). Diabetes and high blood pressure are also very common in PCOS patients. It can also increase your vulnerability to other diseases. Depending on your symptoms and severity, PCOS can be treated.

What age does PCOS start?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can strike women at any point following puberty. PCOS typically starts during the reproductive years of 20s or 30s. Symptoms can begin as early as puberty or develop later, usually before age 40. This needs proper diagnosis from doctors. 

PCOS is believed to have a genetic component, especially from the mothers and sisters. It suggests a hereditary link from any overweight or PCOS-affected members.

Is PCOS common?

Yes, PCOS is a common condition that affects 5% to 10% of women globally who are of reproductive age. It is one of the main causes of infertility and has been linked to several illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

PCOS Symptoms

PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is an endocrine illness that affects many women and teenagers. It may lead to a variety of health problems. Usually, symptoms start to appear in adolescence or early adulthood. These include infertility, irregular menstruation, and anomalies related to hair development.

Irregular Periods

One of the most common signs of PCOS is irregular periods. It comes with heavy bleeding, irregular menstruation, missing periods and cramps. This comes with the problem of getting conceived as well. It is a result of hormonal changes and irregular egg release.

Abnormal Hair Growth

A significant proportion of PCOS patients, roughly 70%, have hirsutism. This is the condition where people face the problem of excessive hair growth. Excess androgens, or male hormones, are the main cause of this illness because they produce abnormal hair growth on the face, arms, chest, and belly.

Skin Acne

Skin acne is common in PCOS. It can be seen on the face, breasts, and back. This acne comes from hormonal imbalances that lead to excessive quantities of oil production in the skin. It is tough to treat and lasts long into adolescence.

Obesity or Overweight

40 to 80% of PCOS patients face the problem of obesity. This indicates that a sizable portion of women is affected. It starts from an early age or from adolescence. It becomes difficult to regulate or reduce weight gain due to insulin resistance and hormone imbalances, which aggravates pre-existing medical conditions.

Darkened Skin

Acanthosis nigricans, or dark patches of skin, is frequently found in body folds such as the neck, groin, armpits, and region under the breasts. This darkening is associated with insulin resistance. It is a prevalent issue related to PCOS that impairs skin health overall.

Cysts on Ovaries

Cysts or enlarged ovaries, which are linked to PCOS, are a common problem in PCOS patients. This becomes visible during ultrasound only. These are the fluid-filled sacs that encircle the eggs. Irregular menstruation and fertility problems can result from this.

Thinning Hair and Hair Patches

PCOS patients may experience baldness or hair thinning on their scalps. Excess male hormones are the cause of this hair loss. This phenomenon is also known as androgenic alopecia. This disorder becomes visible as patchy hair loss or a noticeable decrease in hair density.

Infertility

Infertility is a major issue for those who have PCOS. Since PCOS causes irregular or nonexistent ovulation, it becomes difficult for many people to conceive naturally. PCOS is one of the common causes of infertility in women.

PCOS Causes

There is no one reason for PCOS; rather, several factors play a role in its development. These are hormone abnormalities, metabolic problems, and inheritance. Insulin resistance, high testosterone, and low-grade inflammation are also three primary reasons. Here we have a detailed list of the PCOS causes:

High Androgen Levels

One of the main reasons behind PCOS is the overproduction of androgens or male hormones. Androgens play a role in the development of ovarian cysts, acne, and excessive hair growth. This disrupts the menstrual cycle and ovulation in PCOS.

Insulin Resistance

One of the main causes of PCOS is insulin resistance. It is a condition in which the body does not use insulin as it should. This imbalance is get even bigger if masculine hormones get increased in the body. This imbalance can lead to weight gain and diabetes

Low-Grade Inflammation

In PCOS patients, low-grade chronic inflammation is common. High concentrations of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), can lead to hormonal imbalances which can further cause several issues.

Genetics

Genetics are assumed to be involved in PCOS because the disorder typically runs in families. PCOS in people related to a family history suggests that genetic predisposition may play a role in insulin resistance and hormone abnormalities.

Obesity

We know that there is a strong link between weight and PCOS- fat causes inflammation and insulin resistance.  The symptoms of PCOS, which include irregular periods, infertility, and increased androgen levels, may worsen if a person is overweight. Therefore, to treat the illness, weight loss is required.

PCOS Treatment

Common Medical Treatments

To manage a range of health concerns caused by PCOS and enhance overall quality of life, standard medical therapy is required. You can control and even get rid of the common problems with proper medication. These medical treatments encompass a range of ways tailored to each patient’s specific requirements, including operations, prescription medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Each method is necessary to treat a certain medical issue. Here are some:

Control PCOS with proper medications.

In PCOS, doctors commonly prescribe medications like antibiotics, antivirals, and pain relievers. Though it does not end here, medications depend upon the severity of the conditions or symptoms.

Some Medicines to Treat PCOS

Though there is no cure for PCOS, some medicines may prove helpful in treatment.

• Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet) is used to treat type 2 diabetes in diabetic patients. It also increases insulin production, which aids in PCOS treatment. Medicines will work in a better way if it is used with a good diet and regular exercise.
• Clomiphene (Clomid) is a fertility medicine. It is prescribed to those who face problems to get pregnant.
• Eflornithine (Vaniqa) lotion is a medicine that slows unwanted hair growth on your face and body. Laser hair removal and electrolysis also can help to get rid of unwanted hair.

May need surgery in some cases

To address serious medical conditions by PCOS, surgery is done to fix damaged organs and respond to wounds.

Physical therapy

It is done to increase strength, flexibility, and mobility through manual therapy and targeted exercise. This involves routine exercise and physio therapies to improve overall physical function, treat injuries, and lessen chronic pain.

PCOS Diet

When treating PCOS, one should take a proper diet to control blood sugar. This should include carbs and protein in the proper amount. Lean meats, fish, whole grains, and veggies with high fiber- all are a part of a good diet. Not only that, a good diet becomes best when combined with regular exercise and adequate amounts of sleep.

Change in Lifestyle

Proper lifestyle is the key to curb PCOS. It involves regular exercises and eating a balanced diet.

Stress Management

Stress management is essential for PCOS patients since stress can exacerbate symptoms by throwing off the hormone balance. Increased cortisol levels can lead to depression and weight gain. This can be managed with some exercise, mental training, and breathing exercises.

Natural Treatments for PCOS

One natural treatment for PCOS is a super diet. It should include nutritious foods and no junks! Other remedies like Herbal Tea with cinnamon and spearmint can treat symptoms naturally. The effects of ayurvedic hormone-balancing drugs like Ashwagandha and Triphala are also crucial in treating PCOS.

The following are some natural remedies that can be helpful to reduce PCOS symptoms:

Cinnamon

Cinnamon improves blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity – both are beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms.

Black cohosh

Black cohosh may prove beneficial with symptoms and hormonal balance in PCOS. It is a herb used for women’s health issues, especially menopause symptoms and hormonal imbalances. It may help with menstrual irregularities and PCOS.

Chaste tree berry

Studies show that this berry may help to regulate hormonal imbalance and reduce symptoms associated with PCOS.

Tribulus Terrestris

This plant, used in Eastern medicine, may help in maintaining a healthy reproductive system.

PCOD Vs PCOS

PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) are commonly confused, even though they are two different disorders. The main feature of PCOD is a condition that often does not affect hormone levels. PCOD is mainly about ovarian cysts.

On the other hand, PCOS is an endocrine disorder. The signs of PCOS are ovarian cysts, irregular menstrual cycles, and elevated testosterone levels. Women with PCOS may experience symptoms like weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth.

PCOS and Pregnancy

PCOS can complicate pregnancy due to irregular ovulation and hormonal abnormalities. But it is not that worrying, if anyone affected with this disease receives the right medical attention, she can happily conceive. Also, some other treatments like Dietary modifications, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and ovulation-controlling drugs can all increase the chances of pregnancy.

References

1. National Library of Medicine – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
2. Oxford Academic – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Treatment With Emphasis on Adolescent Girls
3. National Library of Medicine – PCOS Forum: Research in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Today and Tomorrow