Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

Polycystic ovarian syndrome. PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder. Infertility, acne, excessive hair growth, and unpredictable menstrual cycles are all brought on by it. The course of treatment for PCOS is determined by your desire to conceive. PCOS patients may be more susceptible to diabetes and high blood pressure, among other illnesses.

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

A hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is brought on by an overproduction of hormones by your ovaries, which are the organs responsible for producing and releasing eggs. Your ovaries  create abnormally large amounts of androgens if you have PCOS. Your reproductive hormones become unbalanced as a result. Consequently, irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods, and uncertain ovulation are common in persons with PCOS.

Signs

Period irregularities: Missing periods or not getting a period at all are examples of abnormal menstruation. Additionally, it could involve severe menstrual bleeding.
Overgrowth of facial hair or hirsutism, or excessive hair growth on the arms, chest, and belly, are examples of abnormal hair growth. Up to 70% of PCOS patients experience this.
Acne: PCOS can lead to acne, particularly on the face, back, and chest. Acne can persist throughout adolescence and can be challenging to manage.
Obesity: Between 40 and 80 percent of PCOS patients struggle to maintain a healthy weight and are obese.
Skin darkening: Dark spots may appear on your body, particularly in the groin, armpits, and neck folds.

Causes

ovaries’ inability to release eggs, resulting in irregular menstruation cycles. Small, fluid-filled sacs may also form on your ovaries as a result of irregular ovulation. Acne and excessive hair growth in females are also caused by high testosterone.
Insulin resistance: Your ovaries produce and release androgens, or male hormones, when your insulin levels rise. In addition to suppressing ovulation, elevated male hormones also exacerbate other PCOS symptoms. Insulin facilitates the body’s use of glucose, or sugar, as fuel. When your body is unable to properly digest insulin, it results in insulin resistance, which raises blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance can cause diabetes, however not all people with it have high blood sugar or diabetes. Insulin resistance can also be a result of being overweight or obese.

Treatment

Hormonal birth control options include intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, patches, injections, and pills. In addition to helping to control your menstrual cycle, several types of hormonal birth control can also help with acne and excessive hair growth.
Insulin-sensitizing medication: One medication used to treat diabetes is metformin. It functions by facilitating the body’s processing of insulin. Some PCOS patients experience improvements in their menstrual cycles once their insulin levels are under control.
Androgen-blocking drugs: A number of drugs have the ability to counteract the effects of androgens. This aids in managing hair growth or acne. Discuss with your doctor if this type of treatment is appropriate for you.
Changes in lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet and keeping your body weight within a reasonable range can help.

Prevention

Although PCOS cannot be prevented, you can take minor measures to lessen its symptoms. For instance, you can prevent the consequences of PCOS by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising frequently.

Summary

PCOS is a prevalent disorder that causes various symptoms and interferes with your menstrual cycle. If you think you may have PCOS, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. You can control the symptoms, reduce your risk of developing additional health issues, and, if you want to become pregnant, get pregnant with the help of medical therapies and lifestyle modifications.