PCOS plagues millions of women across the world and causes hormonal imbalances which lead to low fertility. Learn about its causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and what you can do to resolve it.
1 in 10 women is living with PCOS but unaware of it. PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a genetic disorder where women of reproductive age face hormonal problems. Women who have PCOS have difficulty getting pregnant and experience an abundance of male hormones in their bodies. PCOS may cause serious health problems later on if left untreated.
Common PCOS symptoms are characterized by facial hair growth, baldness, difficulty losing weight or increased weight gain, infertility, and other hormonal imbalances. There is no cure for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but many PCOS treatment options are available for managing its symptoms.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that affects women of reproductive age between 15 to 44 or older. During each menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from the ovaries. PCOS affects this process by interfering with the development of the egg or its release. The most common PCOS symptoms include irregular or missed menstrual periods, which in turn lead to infertility in women and the development of cysts in the ovaries.
Symptoms of PCOS
Common symptoms of PCOS found in women are:
- Elevated testosterone levels: Testosterone is a male sex hormone that interferes with the development of follicles in the ovaries
- Elevated levels of Luteinising Hormone (LH): LH stimulates ovulation but can lead to abnormal functioning of the ovaries at high levels.
- Depreciated levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG): SHBG is a protein that binds with testosterone in the blood to lower its effects.
- An elevated prolactin level in some women with PCOS: In pregnancy, prolactin stimulates the breasts to produce milk.
Women with PCOS experience emotional issues like depression and anxiety, which result from a lack of self-esteem due to abnormal body hair growth.
PCOS Treatment
Treatment options for Polycystic ovarian syndrome vary depending on the patient’s health status and overall condition. Most doctors recommend making dietary and lifestyle changes to manage PCOS symptoms in women.
Studies have shown that a low carb, high fat (LCHF) diet can be helpful in managing PCOS symptoms since it lowers insulin resistance. Adding high-intensity interval training (HIIT) at least three times a week can manage PCOS when combined with a low-GI PCOS diet for patients.
How is PCOS Diagnosis Done?
Blood tests are used to check for imbalances in hormonal levels within the body. Doctors do a pelvic exam and examine the vaginal area to look for cyst formations in the ovaries. An ultrasound scan may be used to detect abnormalities in the follicles and other signs of PCOS. Visual examination in PCOS diagnosis by doctors involves spotting unexplained hair growth in different parts of the body, facial acne, and weight gain.
Although PCOS cannot be cured, women don’t have to lose hope. Its symptoms can be managed, and fertility can be improved. If you have difficulty getting pregnant, it is recommended to pay a visit to the gynaecologist/endocrinologist to get a PCOS diagnosis done. In most cases, lifestyle changes are enough to manage PCOS.
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