The PCOS symptoms and treatment
PCOS is gaining widespread attention nowadays. It is a complex hormonal condition ascribed to an imbalance of reproductive hormones in women. The main characteristic includes an irregular, infrequent or prolonged menstrual period.
Almost 27% of menstruating women get affected by PCOS amongst which, almost 70% remains undiagnosed owing to lack of awareness.
Women, having PCOS, have a higher than normal amount of male hormone -androgen. This imbalance creates troubles. In a healthy ovulation cycle, ovaries produce and release an egg each month, while in PCOS, this ovulation cycle gets affected. The ovary develops numerous cyst (fluid-filled sacs) and fails to produce an egg as it should be. Polycystic word came from there only, it means multiple cysts.
CAUSES:
It is still a subject of research as the exact cause is unknown. It can be attributed to a higher level of androgen (male hormone) reasons being:
- Genes or hereditary
- Inflammation
- Obesity causing insulin resistance
SYMPTOMS:
- Irregular periods or amenorrhea (absence of a period)
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Excessive hair growth on face or body
- Male pattern baldness
- Weight gain
- Darkening of skin
- Headache
- Mood swings
COMPLECTIONS:
- Infertility
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndromes such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar
- Sleep apnea
- Endometrial cancer
- Depression and anxiety
- Pregnancy complications
- Miscarriage
- Premature delivery
- High blood pressure (preeclampsia)
- Gestational diabetes
SIGNS ON EXAMINATION:
-Medical history – irregular menstrual cycle
-Blood report – high androgen level
-Pelvic or P/V examination – cysts in the ovary
-Ultrasound examination – cysts in the ovary
TREATMENT:
- Hormonal therapy (Birth control pills)
- Infertility medications
- Insulin sensitizing medications
- Anti-androgen medicines
- Psychological counselling
- Lifestyle changes
- Weight loss
- Diet, low carbohydrate diet including fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Exercise
When to seek professional help:
- On missing period
- On having signs and symptoms of PCOS
- Trying to get pregnant for months without success
- On having symptoms of diabetes
- On having symptoms of high androgen i.e. hirsutism, acne or male pattern baldness
Women, having a mother, aunt or sister with PCOS are 50% more inclined to develop PCOS. Awareness and open discussion with your family, friend or physician can be of paramount aid. This syndrome can be a nightmare, but it can be dealt with adequate consideration. Be careful and don’t shy away from seeking assistance. Always remember, ‘A healthy outside starts from the healthy inside.’
Author : Ms. Purva Kumbhani, Gujarat
