Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease. In this disease, small fluid-filled sacs are formed. These sacs are called cysts. They form on the outer wall of the ovaries. These cysts contain immature eggs that are not released during ovulation.

PCOS is a very common disease in women. Every 2 out of 10 women (up to 15%) have it. It increases androgen, or the male sex hormones, in the female body. This will cause many problems, like irregular periods, unwanted body hair, weight gain, etc.

PCOS can be treated medically with a proper diagnosis. It cannot cure the disease but reduces the symptoms.

Symptoms

1. Irregular Menstrual cycle: Delayed, missed, heavy or light periods, painful periods
2. No Ovulation: Bleeding without the release of the egg
3. Hair: Excess body hair, especially on the chin and jawline, back, lower belly, and chest
4. Hair Fall: Hair thinning on top of the head and male pattern baldness
5. Skin: acne on the face, chest, and upper back; oily skin with dark and thick patches on the back of the neck, groin, and armpits.
6. Infertility: problems getting pregnant or having frequent miscarriages
7. Lower Abdomen: Swelling or bloating in the lower belly
8. Weight: Difficulty losing weight, especially around the waist.

When To Visit A Doctor

If you have more than two of the symptoms mentioned above, you should consult a doctor immediately. It is a common female disease. It requires proper medical attention. 

Your doctor will:

• Talk to you about your health, your symptoms, and your and your family's medical history.
• Measure your weight, BMI, and blood pressure.
• Test your blood to check your hormone and glucose levels.
• Look for signs like acne, facial hair, thinning hair, and dark skin patches.
• Examine your pelvis to check for abnormal ovaries or any other developments.
• Do an ultrasound test to check for cysts in the ovaries.

How to confirm PCOS?

Your doctor will check for all the signs and test results. Usually, your doctor will confirm PCOS if you have any of the two signs below:

1. Irregular or missed periods. Heavy bleeding or light bleeding. Painful period.
2. Signs of high androgen levels like acne, body and facial hair, and hair thinning.
3. Cysts are present on one or both of the ovaries.

What are the causes of PCOS?

The causes of PCOS are not yet known. Many factors can lead to PCOS, such as genetics, family history, environment, diet, and lifestyle.

The main known cause of the symptoms of PCOS is higher levels of male hormones. The ovaries produce estrogen, also called the female hormone. This helps maintain normal health in females and proper ovulation. The higher male hormone in the female body creates problems with the release of mature and healthy eggs. The high level of androgen causes acne, body and facial hair, and hair loss.

What are the remedies for PCOS?

If you are suffering from PCOS, do not worry. You should visit a doctor and get yourself checked properly. You should take your medicines as per your doctor's advice.

• Try doing exercises and yoga daily to maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight lowers the chances of diabetes and can regulate ovulation.
• Change your dietary habits. Try to avoid junk food. Include vegetables, fresh fruits and nuts, and high-fibre foods.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.

If you are trying to get pregnant, your doctor will give you medicines related to it. If you have diabetes, your doctor may give you insulin medicine.

Although a serious health condition, several women deal with PCOS daily and lead successful and fulfilling lives. Being in constant touch with your doctor and following a regulated diet, exercise, and medication regime can make a huge difference in your current situation.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Hyderabad - Kondapur. Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment.