PCOS- Symptoms, Causes, Treatment And Prevention

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Women with it commonly grow small cysts or sacs filled with fluids, in their ovaries. These cysts or sacs are not that harmful, but they can further lead to hormonal imbalance in their bodies.

• Insulin Resistance

High levels of insulin cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, which interferes with the development of the follicles (the sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop) and prevents normal ovulation.

Insulin resistance can also lead to weight gain, which can make PCOS symptoms worse, as having excess fat causes the body to produce even more insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to control the amount of sugar in the blood.

It helps to move glucose from the blood into cells, where it’s broken down to produce energy. Insulin resistance means the body’s tissues are resistant to the effects of insulin. The body, therefore, has to produce extra insulin to compensate.

• Obesity

About half of women with PCOS struggle with weight gain or have a hard time losing weight.

• Genes

PCOS sometimes runs in families. If any relatives, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, have PCOS, the risk of you developing it is often increased. This suggests there may be a genetic link to PCOS, although specific genes associated with the condition have not yet been identified.

 

Symptoms Of PCOS

• Hair growth in unwanted areas

Your doctor may call this “hirsutism” (pronounced HUR-soo-tiz-uhm). You might have unwanted hair growing in places such as on your face or chin, breasts, stomach, or thumbs and toes.

• Hair loss

Women with PCOS might see thinning hair on their heads, which could worsen in middle age.

• Acne or oily skin

Because of hormone changes related to PCOS, you might develop pimples and oily skin. (You can have these skin problems without PCOS, of course).

• Problems sleeping, feeling tired all the time

You could have trouble falling asleep. Or you might have a disorder known as sleep apnea. This means that even when you do sleep, you do not feel well-rested after you wake up.

• Headaches

This is because of hormone changes with PCOS.

• Trouble getting pregnant 

PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility.

• Period problems

You could have irregular periods. Or you might not have a period for several months. Or you might have very heavy bleeding during your period.

How PCOS Affects Your Body?

• Irregular Period Cycles

A wide range of factors influences menstrual cycle characteristics, including body size, smoking, alcohol intake, and physical activity, as well as pathologic conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome.

One of the classic and key features of PCOS is irregular or absent menstrual cycles. The primary reason many with PCOS have irregular periods is due to a hormonal imbalance. Keep in mind that this symptom can be experienced in different ways.

Long and irregular menstrual cycles are associated with higher androgen and lower sex hormone-binding globulin levels and this altered hormonal environment may increase the risk of specific histologic subtypes of ovarian cancer.

• Acne and Breakouts

If you’re breaking out long after your teen years are over, you may need to look beyond your skin for the source of the problem. Sometimes acne is a symptom of an underlying hormone condition that can cause far more than facial blemishes.

 Besides irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation, weight gain, and thinning hair, one of the most notable symptoms of PCOS is acne. PCOS-related acne tends to flare in areas that are usually considered “hormonally sensitive,” especially the lower third of the face.

 This includes your cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck. Patients with PCOS tend to get acne that involves more tender knots under the skin, rather than fine surface bumps, and will sometimes report that lesions in that area tend to flare before their menstrual period.

• Infertility

In addition to the many health conditions associated with PCOS, it exists as the most common cause of infertility in women as well. This is because it can prevent ovulation in the body. Women who can conceive even when they have PCOS are at a higher risk of miscarriage.

They can also get gestational diabetes because of high blood pressure while they are expecting. Further, this can result in premature delivery which can affect the infant’s health. It can also contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease

• Metabolic syndrome

Women with PCOS are commonly overweight or obese. Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and they increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

In women with obesity, there may be an adverse clinical synergy between features of both PCOS and the metabolic syndrome. Both of these conditions could predispose to cardiovascular disease through common pathways.

• Sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are strongly associated with PCOS and more common in women who are overweight. The risk for sleep apnea is 5 to 10 times higher in obese women with PCOS than in those without PCOS.

Sleep apnea is a respiratory disorder in which a person experiences pauses in breathing. Pauses can last from a few seconds to a minute and can occur multiple times throughout the night. It presents itself as snoring, pauses in breathing followed by a gasp for breath, and frequent, disturbed sleep.

• Depression

Both hormonal changes and symptoms like unwanted hair growth can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety.

It is often associated with obesity so you can manage the condition by following a healthy diet and maintaining healthy body weight.

If you decide to try a diet, be aware that it may be hard to stick to on your own. To make it a success, it’s a good idea to consult a certified expert who is certified and can help with a monitored and personalized diet plan.

 

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