All You Need to Know About PCOS in Women – What it is, signs, and symptoms PCOS:

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common conditions seen in women of reproductive age. Some of the common issues seen in PCOS women are:

Irregular periods–Due to this, ovaries do not regularly release eggs

Presence of excess androgen –Androgen is a male hormone. Excess male hormones lead to more than usual facial or body hair

Polycystic ovaries –Enlarged ovaries that contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) surround the eggs

Apart from these issues, it is also possible that women with PCOS develop severe medical conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, High cholesterol levels, Heart attack, Stroke, Cancer, etc.

The chances of pregnant women with PCOS having complication such as Gestational diabetes, Miscarriage, Premature birth, etc., are higher when compared to women who don’t have PCOS.

Signs and Symptoms:

A woman with PCOS syndrome will see the symptoms appear in their early 20’s. Some of the significant symptoms are:

• Irregular or No periods at all

• Heavy periods

• Irregular ovulation or no ovulation at all will lead to difficulties in getting pregnant

• Hirsutism – Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, and the buttocks

• Multiple cysts on the ovaries

• Excessive weight gain

• Alopecia –Hair loss or thinning head

• Acanthosis nigricans – Darkened skin patches

• Oily skin

• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis — A severe inflammation in the liver caused by accumulated fat in the liver

• Constant mood swings

• Sleep apnea – It is a sleep disorder in which abnormal pauses of breathing occur during sleep

• Acne prone skin

• Increased anxiety

• Prone to depression

Causes of PCOS:

Though the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, it is seen that PCOS is a hereditary condition. However, high levels of Insulin in the blood is another main reason to cause PCOS.

Higher insulin levels contribute to the production of testosterone and other hormones.It is seen that about 80% of women with PCOS have Insulin resistance.It is also possible that overweight women produce more insulin.

Treating PCOS:

Doctors have been unsuccessful in fining any cure for PCOS as yet. However, the symptoms can be kept at bay.

Overweight women with PCOS can reduce weight to reduce the production of insulin in their body

A balanced diet will help in reduce weight and improve physical health

Medications are available to treat symptoms such as excess hair growth, fertility problems, and irregular periods. Timely consumption of medication should help in keeping the symptoms at bay.

Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling (LOD) can be performed if the fertility medications are ineffective. In LOD, heat or laser is used to destroy the tissue in the ovaries that is responsible for producing androgens, such as testosterone.

PCOS is a rare condition. However, it is a condition that does not have a cure as yet. It is essential to take medications and keep the symptoms at bay to avoid further complications.

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