Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

PCOS is a new epidemic among women worldwide, polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrine disorders of women of reproductive age.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disturbance in women of reproductive age. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome may have infrequent or prolonged menstruation or increased male hormone (androgen) levels.

Polycystic ovary syndrome affects ovary and ovulation. There are multiple follicles(cysts) and each ovary contains an immature egg. These eggs never mature enough to ignite ovulation.

The lack of ovulation disturbed levels of estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH. High levels of estrogen disrupt the menstrual cycle.

Causes of PCOS/PCOD

The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but certain factors may play a role in developing PCOS symptoms:

• Insulin Resistance: Excess insulin might increase androgen production, causing difficulty with ovulation.
• Inflammation: Inflammatory food can stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which results in symptoms like acne, hair fall, hirsutism etc.
• Heredity: Hereditarily PCOS can transfer to the next generation.
• Excess Male Hormone. In PCOS ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen which results in hirsutism and acne.

What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome?

The primary symptom of PCOS is menstrual disturbances, but some women find that they have PCOS after a sudden weight gain or trouble getting pregnant. Common signs and symptoms are:

• Irregular periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Anaemia
• Unwanted facial hair growth
• Acne
• Weight Gain
• Darkening of skin
• Hair thinning
• Headache

PCOS signs and symptoms are more typical and severe if an individual is overweight or obese.

What are the complications of polycystic ovary syndrome?

• Infertility
• Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

What is the treatment for PCOS?

PCOS is a lifestyle disorder, a healthy and active lifestyle are two major keys to your pcos reversal journey.

Treatment for PCOD focuses on managing your symptoms, like infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes for polycystic ovary syndrome starts with weight loss. diet and exercise.

Weight loss through a low-calorie diet combined with medium exercise activities is a great way to go. Even a modest reduction in your weight might improve your condition.

Shedding some fat can increase the effectiveness of medications recommended for PCOS, and can help boost fertility.

You can also incorporate few supplements in your diet to boost metabolism and to increase fertility.

Lifestyle Changing Tips For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Get sufficient 6-8 hours of sleep.
• Eat more organic food.
• Use non-toxic cosmetics.
• Do light to medium intensity Exercise.
• Consume more Water.
• Prioritize “ME” time and activities you enjoy.
• Use more natural remedies.
• Practise Yoga

Common medical treatment

Birth control pills are the first line of treatment to regulate the menstrual cycle. Your healthcare provider prescribes you drugs according to the symptoms you present with.

• Menstrual Abnormalities: Oral contraceptives and Metformin
• Hirsutism: Hair removal creams* or laser therapy
• Infertility: Clomid or Letrozole
• Acne: Retinol*, salicylic acid *or benzoyl peroxide*

Hopefully, this article simplified what is polycystic ovary syndrome, and how you can manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes. Send me your queries and leave a comment below with your feedback. Be sure to sign up for my free newsletter to be the first to get new posts! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

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