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?
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. Below are some common symptoms of PCOS:
Irregular Periods
One of the most common signs of PCOS is irregular periods. Heavy bleeding, irregular menstruation, and missing periods are among the symptoms. Women find it difficult to conceive as a result of these changes, which also cause additional hormonal abnormalities 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
PCOS is commonly associated with acne on the face, breasts, and back. Hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS lead to the skin producing an excessive quantity of oil. This can result in acne breakouts that can be difficult to treat and last 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 such as hormone abnormalities, metabolic problems, and inheritance, play a role in its development. Insulin resistance, high testosterone, and low-grade inflammation are the three primary reasons. Here we have a detailed list:
High Androgen Levels
Overproduction of androgens, or male hormones, can disrupt the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In women, this hormone imbalance also plays a role in the development of ovarian cysts, acne, and excessive hair growth. Ultimately, this leads to 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 can become worse by an excess of masculine hormones, which can lead to weight gain, blood sugar increases, 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 worsen hormone imbalances and raise the chance of developing 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. Metformin may be effective if used along with a good diet and regular exercise. This aids in weight loss, a drop in blood sugar, and a regular menstrual cycle.
- Clomiphene (Clomid) is a fertility medicine that can help women with PCOS 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. Two other objectives of these treatments are to reduce discomfort and restore function.
Physical therapy
The major goals of this treatment are to increase strength, flexibility, and mobility through manual therapy and targeted exercise. Physical therapy employs targeted exercise routines and techniques to improve overall physical function, treat injuries, and lessen chronic pain.
Change in Lifestyle
Maintaining a regular exercise schedule and eating a balanced diet can help prevent chronic illnesses and improve overall health. Lifestyle modifications that promote healthier habits can help manage weight, reduce the risk of illness, and enhance overall health.
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.
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. Regular exercise, mindfulness training, and breathing exercises can improve overall well-being and reduce stress.
Natural Treatments for PCOS
One natural treatment for PCOS is a well-balanced diet high in nutritious foods and low in processed items. Herbal remedies, like PCOS tea, which sometimes includes spices like cinnamon or spearmint, can be used to treat symptoms naturally. The effects of ayurvedic hormone-balancing drugs like ashwagandha and triphala are also crucial in treating PCOS. Regular exercise also enhances general health.
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. Although PCOS encompasses a broader range of metabolic and hormonal issues, PCOD predominantly affects the architecture of the ovaries. For any of these issues to be effectively treated, a proper diagnosis and expert treatment plan is required.
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. Early diagnosis and personalized care plans are key to achieving a healthy pregnancy despite PCOS.
