Polycystic ovarian syndrome, more commonly known as
PCOS, is the most common cause of infertility among women in the U.S. But
beyond posing problems to those hoping to get pregnant, PCOS also comes along
with a number of unpleasant symptoms like acne or extra hair. Here’s what you
need to know about PCOS, what symptoms to look for and what you can do if you
think you might be affected.
What is PCOS?
While PCOS is extremely common, the cause of the
syndrome remains unknown. It’s likely that a host of factors are collaborating
to upend the normal balance of hormones in a woman’s body, which leads to
changes in her period and unpleasant symptoms related to hormonal imbalance.
PCOS is a syndrome or list of symptoms that often
come together, rather than a single disease. In fact, many doctors think that
the symptoms of PCOS are actually caused by several diseases that happen to
occur together. For example, diabetes and obesity appear to contribute to the
symptoms of PCOS by changing the way the body handles hormones and the way
those hormones act in the brain and on the reproductive organs. But there’s
also some indication that genetics may play a role in making someone more or
less likely to be sensitive to these kinds of hormonal shifts.
Who’s at risk for PCOS?
Some of the
following factors appear to be related to PCOS and may increase your risk for
the syndrome:
Having a
family member who has or had PCOS
Having
irregular periods
Having
diabetes
Being
overweight or obese
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
The following symptoms are commonly seen in women
who have PCOS:
Male
patterns of hair, including facial hair, chest hair, belly hair, back hair and
increased arm or leg hair.
Acne,
especially acne that doesn’t seem to get better with normal skin treatments for
acne.
Balding is
less common, but can be seen either in a male pattern on the front of the head
or closer to the center of the head.
Irregular
periods that don’t follow a regular schedule. Some women with PCOS find their
periods stop completely.
Ovaries that
appear to have large cysts on them when imaged with an ultrasound machine.
It’s important to remember that not all women will
have all of these symptoms. PCOS is often a variable syndrome and different
women can have a different mix of associated problems.
Why should I worry about PCOS?
While
PCOS can cause a number of unsightly or unpleasant symptoms, the real problem
with the syndrome is much more serious. Women who develop PCOS appear to be at
higher risk of several diseases that can threaten their health.
High risk of developing diabetes or becoming overweight in those with PCOS who aren’t already overweight or diabetic.
Risk of developing high cholesterol or high blood lipids, which can increase heart attack risk.
Risk of high blood pressure.
Increased risk of a heart attack.
Higher rates of liver disease.
Higher rates of endometrial cancer, often because of irregular periods and hormonal imbalance.
Higher rates of miscarriage when pregnant.
Sleep apnea, which can cause sleep troubles and increased risk for some diseases.
All of these problems affect the health and well-being of women affected by PCOS and make it important to take action if you think you might have PCOS.
What can I do about PCOS?
PCOS
is a diagnosis made in partnership with your doctor who will look through your
symptoms and decide whether more tests or medical advice might be needed. But
it’s important that you take the first step if you have some of the symptoms
mentioned above and are concerned. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms, what
might be causing them, and how they can be treated.
If you are diagnosed with PCOS, treatments are available. These treatments include:
Losing weight, exercising more often, and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Better blood sugar control in diabetics, including certain drugs that may help with some PCOS symptoms while also controlling insulin levels.
Treatments to better regulate the body’s hormones, which may include different types of birth control pills.
Using lifestyle changes and medications to control disease risks like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Fertility treatments for women trying to get pregnant.
Your doctor will work with you to decide which treatment options best fit your health goals while safeguarding you against dangerous diseases.
Related Article
Covid 19 and Pregnancy
Holistic Healthcare
Aaj Phir Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai – Let Us Be Positive During COVID 19
Various Types Of Masks And PPEs
The basics of posture
Journal Scan – why We Should Not Make Mothers Out Of Grandmothers -Dr.Maninder Ahuja
Part-I Osteoporosis -Stand Tall Support Your Bones-Dr.Maninder Ahuja