As per an NHS report, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome aka PCOS is one of the most common hormonal conditions found in 1 out of 5 women in their reproductive phase. However, people are curious to know what causes this and how it is so common. So in this article, we have got all of it covered, from causes to symptoms and cure.
PCOS is a condition that interrupts reproductive hormones. As per biological science, every human being contains male and female hormones. It’s just that in females, male hormones are present in minute levels and males, female hormones are negligible. In the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the male hormones, which should be minor in females (specifically, androgen), increase. This can lead to many issues, but the most common problem is that of Irregular menstrual cycle and delayed periods as the egg fails to be released by ovaries.
Most people assume that as the name contains the term “polycystic”, PCOS may result from multiple cysts. But this is just a myth, and there are no cysts; instead, the eggs are underdeveloped and thus, cannot be released by the ovary.
What are the most common symptoms of PCOS?
PCOS can be seen at any age, whether in teens or thirties. However, the symptoms may differ from person to person. The primary symptoms to look out for can be:
- Irregular periods or even a complete lack of periods can be observed in some people. This can even be not seen in some women having PCOD so, it is better to consult a gynecologist from time to time so that any such condition can be diagnosed early.
- Infertility: Most women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can find difficulty getting pregnant as they are not ovulating, so there is no egg to be fertilized.
- Excessive hair growth in unusual areas like the chin, chest, neck, and back like males. This is due to the increase in male sex hormones responsible for secondary sexual development in males, including hair growth.
- Weight gain is also a common symptom associated with hormonal disorders.
- Thinning of hair and excessive breakage
- Hormonal acne on the face, specifically in chin and cheek areas
- Heavy periods can also be a symptom where the bleeding is sometimes challenging to manage.
If you observe any of these symptoms, it is better to contact a gynecologist without delay. Prolonged or untreated PCOS can be more difficult to treat and may even lead to complete infertility.
Is there a way to treat PCOS?
Once diagnosed with PCOS, there is, unfortunately, no cure for it. However, you can minimize the symptoms and complications through medications recommended by a doctor.
The most common medication given to patients with PCOS is “Clomiphene”, as it helps in ovulation and starting the menstrual cycle. But one should only consume this if a gynecologist recommends it. The complications and symptoms can vary from person to person, so medications can also alter.
Other than this, there can be other medications for treating hair loss and skin conditions arising due to the hormonal effects caused due to PCOS.
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Can PCOS cause infertility?
PCOS causes irregular periods and hormonal imbalances. Most people are concerned about the chances of getting pregnant after being diagnosed with PCOS.
As per the facts, women with PCOS can get pregnant if treated and given proper medications to keep the hormones balanced. However, if PCOS remains untreated for a long time, it can cause difficulty conceiving naturally. The problem can vary from person to person, and some women can easily conceive, while it can get complicated for some.
How to Diagnose PCOS?
There is no particular test that is specifically made to diagnose PCOS. The primarily used way to diagnose it is through Rotterdam Criteria, which comprises of three further criteria which are as follows:
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- High levels of male hormones, unusual increase in weight.
- Ovarian cysts that are more than 12 in a single ovary.
These are the essential criteria for the diagnosis; however, even if these are fulfilled, a woman doesn’t need to be suffering from PCOS. Thus, an ultrasound is performed as a confirmatory test to check for cysts and underdeveloped follicles.
Can PCOS cause other health conditions?
As we know, if left untreated, diseases can lead to many other diseases. The same goes with PCOS; if it is not diagnosed in the early stage. As a result, there can be other health conditions arising. Some of these can be:
Obesity
As discussed above, one of the symptoms of PCOS is weight gain. When PCOS is not treated, the weight continues to increase and ultimately, it can lead to the patient getting Obese.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is caused by increased blood sugar. Insulin is responsible for controlling blood sugar, but in PCOS, the hormonal imbalance can create a condition of Insulin resistance in your body. Thus, the blood sugar level cannot be controlled, leading to diabetes.
High blood pressure and heart blockage
High blood pressure and other heart conditions usually increase cholesterol. Due to PCOS, the ability of the body to remove unhealthy cholesterol gets lowered. Thus, cholesterol gets accumulated in the heart’s arteries, leading to issues related to the core.
Sleep apnea
To get proper sleep, one needs to have peace of mind, and with PCOS, the hormones often make you have mood swings leading to difficulty in sleeping.
Anxiety and depression
These are some serious issues concerned with PCOS. Due to PCOS, you may face many changes in the body, and there is weight gain and acne. This can be a reason for not feeling good about yourself and can ultimately cause anxiety. Prolonged anxiety can even lead to depression.
Another reason can be mood swings and hormonal imbalances; the feel-good hormones can also reduce, leading to not being good enough. Thus, it’s better to get PCOS treated before it causes such life-threatening conditions.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can be treated
Although there’s no scientifically proven treatment to cure PCOS. However, there are lifestyle and medical treatments that can help you deal with the symptoms. Do your research well before you follow any at-home remedies on reels and news articles. Consult your doctor and undergo the process that will suit your condition. Till then, stay strong. This too shall pass.
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