Comprehensive Guide of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
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Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS, disrupts the natural hormonal equilibrium of women. Women who have PCOS have lower levels of male hormones than other women do because of the condition. Because of these hormones, a woman’s body can skip her menstrual period, which would make it more difficult for her to become pregnant. PCOS can result in increased facial hair growth as well as hair loss. In addition to this, there is a strong possibility that it will result in long-term health issues. Hormone imbalances can be effectively treated with drugs such as birth control and diabetic treatments. Find out more about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the probable impacts it can have on female bodies.
Causes
Scientists and medical professionals have a general understanding that both genetic and environmental variables play a role in the onset of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), but they have yet to pinpoint a single cause.
This disease is likely at least partially caused by a mutation in one or more genes due to the heritable nature of PCOS symptoms. Recent studies in animal models have suggested that fetal genetic or chemical alterations may contribute to PCOS in some women.
Both genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to the development of PCOS.
Symptoms
Androgen levels cause most PCOS symptoms.The ovaries make hormones, which regulate body functions. Estrogen, called the “female hormone” because women produce more of it than men, is produced by the ovaries. Because men produce more androgens than women, the ovaries create them. Men and women need healthy hormone levels for health.
PCOS women have higher androgen levels and decreased estrogen levels. High androgens can:
- Stop the follicles, which are small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries where eggs grow and mature, from growing, which makes them bigger.
- Cause other PCOS symptoms, like too much hair growth and acne.
- Interfere with brain signals that normally lead to ovulation, so that ovulation doesn’t happen as often as it should.
Diet and lifestyle changes for PCOS and Fertility
Changing one’s lifestyle to lose weight, eat healthier, and get more exercise is often the first step in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A modest weight loss of between 5 and 10 percent of your total body mass can assist in the regulation of your menstrual cycle and the improvement of PCOS symptoms. Losing weight can also help:
- Lower Insulin
- Improve Cholesterol level
- Reduce heart disease and diabetes risk
In comparison studies of diets for PCOS, low-carbohydrate diets have been shown to be beneficial for both weight reduction and insulin regulation.
The menstrual cycle is more easily controlled while following a low glycemic index (low GI) diet that receives the majority of its carbs from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Some research suggests that women with PCOS might benefit from losing weight if they exercise for 30 minutes at a low level at least three times per week. Exercise-induced weight loss boosts ovulation and reduces insulin resistance.
When coupled with a nutritious eating plan, exercise becomes even more effective. When combined, diet and exercise may help you lose more weight and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease than either strategy alone.
When do you want to approach a doctor?
See your doctor if:
- You have been trying to conceive for longer than a year, but so far, your efforts have been unsuccessful.
- You have PCOS, and one of its symptoms is increased hair growth, particularly on your face and body.
- You may have diabetes if you experience symptoms such as excessive thirst or hunger, hazy eyesight, or a loss of weight for no apparent reason.
- You haven’t had your period in a while, but you’re not pregnant either.
Do not put off seeing a professional for an evaluation for a year if your periods are already irregular or nonexistent and you are attempting to get pregnant .
Also, bear in mind that irregular or nonexistent periods are not birth control in and of themselves if you do not want to become pregnant.
Even under these circumstances, conceiving may still be possible. Regardless of whether you have PCOS, it is best to utilize contraception in this situation.
Plan frequent trips to your family physician if you have PCOS. For the purpose of detecting diabetes, high blood pressure, and other potential problems, you will require routine testing.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
There is no one test that can be used to diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Your symptoms, medications, and any other medical conditions will probably be discussed at first with your doctor. Your doctor might also inquire about your menstrual cycle and any weight fluctuations. During a physical, it is important to look out for indicators of acne, insulin resistance, and excessive hair growth.
Your doctor will recommend:
Ultrasound Your ovaries’ condition and the thickness of your uterus’ lining can both be examined with an ultrasound. Your vagina receives a transducer, which resembles a wand. Sound waves released by the transducer are converted into visuals on a computer screen.
Pelvic exam Your healthcare professional might look for lumps, growths, or other changes in your reproductive organs during a pelvic exam.
Blood tests Hormone levels can be determined via blood tests. This testing can rule out other causes of irregular menstruation or androgen excess that resemble PCOS. Other blood tests, such as ones to check your triglyceride and cholesterol levels after a fast, may be performed. Your body’s reaction to sugar can be measured with a glucose tolerance test (glucose).
Treatment
Medications
- Metformin
- Clomiphene
- Gonadotropins
- Letrozole
Conclusion
PCOS disrupts menstrual cycles and makes pregnancy tougher. High male hormone levels cause facial and body hair growth. Lifestyle changes are generally the first treatment for PCOS. Weight loss improves PCOS symptoms and fertility. Diet and aerobics help reduce weight. If lifestyle modifications fail, try medication. Birth control pills and metformin improve PCOS symptoms and menstrual cycles.