What is PCOS and Its Treatment?

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

There are a lot of symptoms of PCOS. However, the most common and the first one stands to be an irregular menstrual cycle or no menstruation at all. The following are some of the other PCOS symptoms: - 

1. Irregular periods, missed periods, or very light periods

2. Oily or acne skin

3. Large ovaries or many cysts

4. Weight gain, especially around the belly area

5. Infertility

6. Excess body hair, including stomach, chest, and back

7. Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness

8. Thick or dark skin patches on the back of the neck, under the breasts, and in the armpits

9. Small pieces of excess skin on the armpits or neck

If you face any of the above symptoms for quite some time, it is better to consult a doctor. 

What are the causes of PCOS? 

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Nevertheless, there are several guiding factors related to the cause. Here are some of the PCOS causes:-

1. Insulin resistance

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, used by the cell to use sugar for energy. If the cells become resistant to the action of insulin, then the blood glucose level will rise up. This can cause the body to make more insulin to try lower the sugar level. Hence, too much insulin may start making excessive male hormone androgen. This can simultaneously create trouble with ovulation, the formation of dark patches on the armpits, the lower part of the neck, or under the breasts. 

2. Lack of proper diet

Your diet plan dramatically affects how your body feels and functions. Consume more veggies and fruits. Try to incorporate a protein-rich diet with less carbs. Make sure to cut down on added sugar as this is anyway harmful to health. 

3. Heredity

As per research, certain genes might be linked to PCOS. Hence, having a family history of the disorder might play an essential role in developing the condition. 

4. Lack of physical exercise

Lack of physical exercise results in the accumulation of body fats which might lead to hormonal disturbance. Hence, it is crucial to maintain the right body weight so that there are fewer internal issues. 

5. Low-grade inflammation

The substances white blood cells make in response to injury or infection are known as low-grade inflammation. And hence, as per research, people with PCOS have polycystic ovaries to produce androgens. This can even lead to blood vessels and heart problems. 

How is PCOS diagnosed? 

There is no such test to particularly diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Your healthcare practitioner will most likely ask you about the signs and symptoms you have been facing and other health conditions. He/She may also ask you about your body weight and menstrual cycle. And based on all these factors, your doctor may recommend you the following PCOS diagnosis:-

1. Blood tests

Blood tests are the first-step diagnosis. The tests are being done to detect the major cause of the issue. 

2. Pelvic exam

In a pelvic examination, the doctor examines the reproductive organs and sees if there's any change. 

3. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is done to detect the ovaries' appearance and the uterus lining's thickness. A transducer (wandlike device) is placed in the vagina, emitting sound waves translated into images on the computer screen. 

What are the PCOS treatment options?

Every disorder comes up with some specific guidance toward the cure. It is important to stay in constant touch with a healthcare practitioner and follow the treatment plan. The treatment plan depends on your age, living pattern, the severity of the health condition, and many other factors. Nonetheless, the treatment process has a lot to do with your lifestyle. Hence, you might need to upgrade it as per your health scenario.

The following are some of the common PCOS treatments: -

1. Eat Well

Eating clean is way more important than being talked out. It decides your body's entire look and feel, both internally and externally. Maintain a balanced diet and keep an eye on whatever you eat. Focus more on a protein-rich diet, including more fruits and veggies.

2. Maintain the right body weight

Maintaining the right body weight aids in the proper functioning of the hormones. If you think you are obese, try bringing your weight down to the level it should be. Along with that, malnutrition is as bad as being overweight. Hence, prioritize your weight and show consistent effort to be on track.

3. Medications

Based on the level and severity of your PCOS, your medical practitioner will prescribe you medication. A drug such as Clomiphene has earned an excellent name for lowering the level of PCOS. However, medication alone can never solve the purpose. It is the combined effort of medicines and lifestyle changes. 

4. Exercise regularly

Working out regularly has a lot to do with the proper regulation of hormones. Appropriate physical activity helps in the equal distribution of fats and releases dopamine, also known as the feel-good hormone.

5. Avoid added sugar

Consumption of added sugar can definitely aggravate PCOS in women at the reproductive stage. It only spikes up the level of insulin but also contributes to hypertension, high levels of C-reactive protein, and high levels of triglycerides. 

What are the risks & complications of PCOS?

PCOS can give rise to a lot of health-related issues. The following are some of the risk factors associated with PCOS: -

1. Female infertility

2. Type 2 diabetes

3. Endometrial cancer

4. Sleep apnea

5. Depression and other mental disorders

6. Abnormal uterine bleeding

7. Chronic liver inflammation

8. Gestational diabetes

9. Untreatable acne

10. Miscarriages

11. Various metabolic syndromes, such as hypertension, increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular diseases. 

Conclusion

PCOS does not have any specific cause. However, early detection of the condition will be constructive in relieving the signs and symptoms and also in reducing the complications involved. As mentioned before, the first sign of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is delayed or irregular periods. If you ever happen to experience this consistently, do not hesitate to get yourself checked. Early diagnosis will make the treatment easier for you. Alongside this, practice a healthy lifestyle so as to develop your overall health.