Table of Contents
A common health condition in many women
Compared to any other health issue that the majority of women facing to PCOS is one of the common health conditions that is affecting most of the women all over the world. PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is actually a hormonal imbalance. When woman’s hormones are out of balance, then they start to notice the signs of PCOS.
PCOS usually leads to female infertility, and people with this condition go through unexpected body changes. In fact, it is one of the main reasons for infertility compared to any other reason. So, for people who are planning pregnancy and have a PCOS problem, then it is important to sort it out soon to avoid any inconveniences in conceiving.
Insulin-resistant PCOS, Hidden cause PCOS, Pill induced PCOS, and Inflammatory PCOS are types of PCOS. Depending on three basic PCOS symptoms like oligo, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries, doctors can tell you which type of PCOS a woman has.
Causes for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Though the exact reason for the cause of PCOS is not known till now as per highly experience doctors below are some of the main reasons for PCOS:
-
High level of male hormones
This is one of the reasons for PCOS cause where these male hormones that are at a high level usually prevent the ovarian from producing hormones making eggs.
-
Genes
As per various researches, it is believed that certain genes with have PCOS. For example, if anyone from the family has PCOS, then it may affect the next generation.
-
Presence of insulin
If the insulin is in excess level, then it may also cause PCOS. Insulin is a hormone in the pancreas, and if the level of this hormone is high, then it increases androgen production, which in turn affects ovarian.
-
WBC production of substances
It is a known fact that white blood cells play a major role in fighting any infection so, if women with low-grade inflammation may face the PCOS problem.
-
Level of androgen
When ovaries produce a high level of androgen, then the women may have a problem of PCOS, which also results in acne and excessive growth of coarse hair in a male-like pattern.
What are the signs of PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is now troubling millions of women with its bad effects on the body and mainly on ovarian. The majority of people are unknown about this problem until it gets worse. So, to avoid its bad effects on our health conditions, it is important to notice PCOS signs at the earliest and consult the doctor immediately. Below are some of the common signs of PCOS.
-
Missed periods
Though there are many other reasons for missed periods yet PCOS is also one of the main reasons for this problem. So, if you find any irregularity in your monthly periods, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
-
Weight gain
Women with PCOS usually gain excess weight. If you are maintaining a good diet and doing regular exercise yet gaining weight, then it is a sign of PCOS.
-
Hirsutism
When there is excess growth of unwanted hair on the face, chest, or back then it is called Hirsutism. PCOS is one of the main causes of Hirsutism.
-
Skin discoloration
Women with this health condition usually can notice skin discoloration, which can be taken as a sign of PCOS and consult a doctor.
-
Acne and oily skin
If your skin is clean and clear but suddenly sees any changes like acne and oily skin, then this is a sign of PCOS. Most of the PCOS related acne tends to flare in the upper neck, chin, jawline, and cheeks that are hormonally sensitive areas.
-
Baldness/hair is thinning
Some people also face excess hair loss and baldness when having PCOS. So, taking this as PCOS, it is important to get in contact with a doctor.
How to treat PCOS
Since millions of women today have PCOS, experts are coming up with many different ways to treat PCOS. Not all women get the same treatment for PCOS; rather, it depends on the signs of PCOS. There is no particular test done to diagnose PCOS. Rather doctor will discuss with the patient about her medical conditions and suggest the treatment accordingly.
For example, if a person with excess weight has PCOS, then she can overcome this problem by reducing weight. Accordingly, if a woman is facing a fertility problem because of PCOS, then she can get a treatment related to the fertility problem with which she will be able to get pregnant. So, there is no unique treatment for PCOS but is treated as per the symptoms seen in women.
There are certain tests that may be done for PCOS women to avoid any complications. Some of the common tests for PCOS include
- blood pressure
- glucose tolerance
- Cholesterol level
- Screening for depression and obstructive sleep apnea
Apart from the above mentioned it is also recommended to do pelvic exam and blood tests depending on the severity of PCOS signs and symptoms.
Reduce PCOS with simple diet changes
Though there is no exact cure for PCOS, yet one can avoid PCOS from getting worse simply by making some changes in the diet plan. It is important to take protein-rich and balanced food and up your iron intake. Make sure to choose that food that is free from artificial sugars and preservatives.
Are there any risks with PCOS?
Not all women, but most of the women with PCOS, are at the risk of many illnesses like high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease. So, to stay away from such health complications, it is advisable to eat healthily and do regular exercise, which may reduce your risk of illness to some extent. Though it is a common problem in many women yet is not that risky if one understands the causes and symptoms of this hormonal imbalance and gets the best treatment accordingly at the earliest.