Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a pathology that can affect the hormonal level in females.
Women with PCOS create higher levels of male hormones than usual. This hormonal imbalance causes their bodies to skip menstrual periods, which also makes it harder for them to get pregnant.
Baldness and hair growth on the face and body are additional effects of PCOS. Additionally, it can exacerbate chronic health issues including diabetes and heart disease.
The hormone imbalance can be corrected and symptoms can be improved with the aid of birth control tablets and diabetic medications (which treat insulin resistance, a characteristic of PCOS).
PCOS Description.
PCOS is a hormonal issue that affects women during their reproductive years (ages 15 to 44).
Up to 70% of women with PCOS were undiagnosed in one research.
The reproductive organs that produce progesterone and estrogen, which control the menstrual cycle, are affected by PCOS in women. A limited amount of androgens, which are male hormones, are also produced by the ovaries.
The ovaries release eggs that a man’s sperm can fertilize. Ovulation can be described as a normal physiologic process of the monthly release of an egg.
The pituitary gland produces the two major hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which control ovulation.
The ovary is stimulated by FSH to create a follicle, which is a sac that houses an egg and is subsequently prompted by LH to release a mature egg.
PCOS is a “syndrome,” or collection of symptoms, that has an impact on ovulation and the ovaries. The following three characteristics:
- in the ovaries cysts
- irregular or missed periods high amounts of male hormones.
- The term “polycystic” denotes “several cysts.”
In reality, each of these sacs is a follicle that contains an immature egg. The eggs are never old enough to trigger ovulation.
Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels are changed by the absence of ovulation. While androgen levels are higher than usual, progesterone levels are lower.
Women with PCOS experience fewer periods than usual because excess male hormones interfere with the menstrual cycle.
Estrogen, progesterone, FSH, and LH levels are changed by the absence of ovulation. While androgen levels are higher than usual, progesterone levels are lower.
Women with PCOS experience fewer periods than usual because excess male hormones interfere with the menstrual cycle.
What triggers it?
Physicians still don’t know the exact cause of PCOS. They contend that excessive quantities of male hormones inhibit the ovaries from regularly creating eggs and hormones.
Excess androgen production has been associated with genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Various research studies show that PCOS runs can be inherited.
It’s likely that more than one gene, not just one, affects the illness.
Insulin sensitivity
Insulin resistance, which prevents cells from effectively using insulin, affects up to 70% of PCOS patients
The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin to facilitate the body’s utilisation of dietary sugar for energy.
The body requires more insulin when cells can’t adequately use it. For compensation, the pancreas generates extra insulin. The ovaries create more male hormones in response to increased insulin levels.
The main contributor to insulin resistance is obesity. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be increased by both weight and insulin resistance. Inflammation PCOS patients frequently have higher than average amounts of inflammation in their bodies. Inflammation can be aggravated by being overweight. Studies have connected elevated testosterone levels with excessive inflammation.
PCOS common symptoms
Period irregularities are the most prevalent PCOS symptom. There will be no breaking of the uterine lining without ovulation every month. Reduced number of cycles or none at all per year. Excessive bleeding when the female has periods may be excess than usual since the uterine lining has thickened up.
With hair expansion with this illness, more than 70% of women develop hair on their face and body, including on their back, abdomen, and chest. Acne. On the face, chest, and upper back, male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and lead to breakouts.
Gaining weight Up to 80% of PCOS-afflicted women are obese or overweight.
Baldness with a male pattern. The scalp’s hair may become thin or fall off.
Skin tone darkening In body creases like those on the neck, in the crotch, and under the breasts, dark patches of skin can develop.
Headaches. Various reports of women complaining about a headache due to hormonal imbalance.
How to identify PCOS
Women with at least two of these three symptoms are frequently diagnosed with PCOS by doctors :
- high amounts of androgen
- irregular periods
- in the ovaries cysts
Additionally, your doctor should inquire about any signs of acne, facial and body hair development, and weight gain.
A pelvic exam can check for any issues with your ovaries or other reproductive system components. Your doctor performs this test by inserting gloved fingers into your vagina to feel for any uterine or ovarian growth.
Blood tests look for male hormone levels that are greater than usual.
Additionally, you might undergo blood tests to monitor your levels of triglycerides, insulin, and cholesterol to assess your risk for developing diseases like diabetes and heart disease. To find abnormal follicles and other issues with your ovaries and uterus, an ultrasound employs sound waves.
Food and lifestyle modifications to prevent PCOS
Changes in lifestyle, such as weight loss, nutrition, and exercise, are typically the first step in PCOS treatment.
Even a small weight loss of 5 to 10 per cent of your body weight can aid your PCOS symptoms and menstrual cycle regulation. Losing weight can also:
- Decrease in cholesterol
- Lowering insulin lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease
Your illness can benefit from any diet that makes you lose weight. However, certain diets might be superior to others in various ways.
Low-carb diets are helpful for weight loss and reducing insulin levels, according to studies comparing PCOS regimens.
Better than a typical weight loss diet, a low glycemic index (low GI) diet that primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps regulate the menstrual cycle. A Diet which has a less glycemic index (low GI)
According to a few studies, women with PCOS can lose weight by exercising for 30 minutes, three days a week, at a moderate level. Exercise-induced weight loss also enhances insulin and ovulation levels (22).
When exercise is combined with a balanced diet, the benefits are much greater. Exercise and diet together can help you lose weight more effectively than any of them alone does, and they can also lessen your chances of diabetes and heart disease (23Trusted Source).
Acupuncture has some evidence that it can help with PCOS, but additional research is required.
Standard medical procedures
Birth control pills and other drugs can be used to treat PCOS symptoms including hair growth and acne as well as to help regulate the menstrual cycle.
birth prevention
Daily progesterone use may:
Reestablish a healthy hormone balance
Control ovulation
Alleviate signs such as excessive hair growth
To prevent endometrial cancer
Metformin
Type 2 diabetes medication like Glucophage, Fortamet, and metformin. Additionally, by raising insulin levels, it treats PCOS.
In comparison to diet and activity improvements alone, one study revealed that using metformin also improved weight reduction, and blood sugar control, and restored a regular menstrual cycle.
Clomiphene
Women with PCOS may benefit from the fertility medication clomiphene (Clomid).
Medicines for hair removal
A few treatments can assist in removing unwanted hair or preventing its growth.
A medicine prescribed called Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream reduces the growth of new hair. Unwanted hair on your face and body can be removed with laser hair removal and electrolysis.
Surgery
Surgery will be the last line of treatment when other options fail. Ovarian drilling is a technique that uses a laser or thin heated needle to create microscopic holes in the ovary to restore regular ovulation.
