Do you have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) too? Let's talk all about it!

Is your menstrual cycle irregular? Or do you have unwanted hair growth on your face or body? Do you get acne? Are you having trouble losing weight? If these are common problems for you, you may be suffering from a condition called PCOS. Don't worry, today we will talk about PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) in a very simple way that you can understand.

What is PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

Simply put, PCOS is a hormonal imbalance in women. It occurs when your ovaries (the organs that produce and release eggs) produce too many hormones. Specifically, your ovaries produce too many hormones called androgens (also known as male hormones). This can cause your reproductive system to be out of balance.

As a result, many people with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles , no periods in some months, and irregular ovulation (anovulation) . Sometimes, small fluid-filled cysts (follicle cysts) can be seen on an ultrasound scan of the ovaries. However, despite the name "polycystic," not everyone with PCOS has these cysts. Furthermore, ovarian cysts are not dangerous or painful.

PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in women . It also increases the risk of other health problems. Doctors can treat PCOS based on your symptoms and whether you're trying to conceive.

Who gets PCOS? Is this a common condition?

PCOS can develop at any age after puberty. Most women are diagnosed with the condition in their 20s or 30s, especially when they are trying to have a baby. If you are overweight (obese), or if someone in your family has PCOS, you are more likely to develop PCOS.

PCOS is a very common condition . About 15% of women of childbearing age, or about 15 out of every 100 women, have been diagnosed with PCOS. So if you find out you have it, don't feel alone.

What are the symptoms if you have PCOS?

These are the most common symptoms of PCOS:

• Irregular menstrual periods: This can include skipping periods, not having them for months, or excessive bleeding during menstruation.
• Abnormal hair growth: Unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen, and arms ( hirsutism) . This symptom is seen in about 70% of people with PCOS.
• Acne: PCOS can cause acne on the back, chest, and face. This acne can persist into adulthood and be difficult to treat.
• Obesity/obesity: Between 40% and 80% of people with PCOS are obese and have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
• Darkening of the skin: The skin may darken in the folds of the neck, armpits, groin area (between the legs), and under the breasts. This is called acanthosis nigricans .
• Ovarian Cysts: In many people with PCOS, the ovaries of an ultrasound scan may be larger than normal or may contain many small cysts (follicles).
• Skin tags: Small, mole-like growths that hang from the skin. These are most commonly seen in the armpits and neck.
• Hair thinning/loss: People with PCOS may experience patchy hair loss or baldness.
• Infertility: PCOS is a leading cause of infertility in women. It reduces the ability to conceive a child because ovulation does not occur.

Some people may not have any symptoms of PCOS. Some people only discover they have the condition when they are late in conceiving or when they suddenly gain weight.

What are the main causes of PCOS?

The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown . However, there is evidence that it has a genetic component. This means that if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to develop it. In addition, several other factors, especially obesity, can contribute to it:

• Increased levels of male hormones called androgens: When these hormones increase, they prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. This is what causes irregular menstrual cycles. When ovulation is irregular, the aforementioned fluid-filled cysts can form in the ovaries. Increased androgens also cause acne and unwanted hair growth.
• Insulin resistance: When insulin levels are high, the ovaries produce and release more male hormones (androgens). These increased male hormones can reduce ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that helps control our body's sugar (glucose) and produce energy. Insulin resistance means that the body does not respond properly to insulin. This causes high blood sugar levels. Not everyone with insulin resistance will develop diabetes, but insulin resistance can lead to diabetes. Being overweight or obese can also cause insulin resistance. Even if your blood sugar levels are normal, high insulin levels can be a sign of insulin resistance.
• Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS may have chronic, or long-term, low-grade inflammation (a type of inflammation that occurs inside the body). Doctors can measure this inflammation with blood tests (C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell levels).

PCOS and pregnancy

A question that many people have is whether PCOS can cause miscarriage. Having PCOS can increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, but many people with PCOS are able to successfully give birth to a baby.

Complications that can occur during pregnancy due to PCOS include:

• Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (high blood pressure and other complications during pregnancy), and high blood pressure.
• The risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks) or delivery by cesarean section due to obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

But don't panic. If you have PCOS, the most important thing is to talk to a doctor and get the necessary advice and treatment.

How does a doctor diagnose PCOS?

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose PCOS by examining you and talking about your symptoms. They may also order blood tests or an ultrasound scan to help with the diagnosis.

The doctor will do these things:

• Talk about your symptoms and medical history.
• Ask about your family's medical history.
• Your weight and blood pressure will be measured.
• Performs a physical examination - especially looking for unwanted facial hair, hair loss, acne, skin discoloration, and skin warts.
• A pelvic exam will be performed to check for other causes of abnormal bleeding.
• Blood tests are ordered to check hormone levels and glucose levels.
• An ultrasound scan will be performed to look at the ovaries, check the thickness of the uterine wall, and check for other causes of abnormal bleeding.

Typically, doctors conclude that you have PCOS if you have at least two of the following three symptoms :

1. Irregular or missed menstrual periods (some people with PCOS may also experience heavy bleeding during their periods).

2. Signs of high androgen hormones, such as acne or excessive hair growth. Or, blood test results that confirm high androgen levels.

3. An ultrasound scan shows enlarged or polycystic ovaries (many people do not develop these cysts).

What are the treatments for PCOS?

Your doctor will decide on treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, other health conditions, and whether you are planning to have children. Treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both.

If you are not currently expecting a child, these can be used as treatments:

• Hormonal birth control: This can include birth control pills, patches, injections, a vaginal ring, or an intrauterine device (IUD). Hormonal birth control helps regulate your monthly menstrual cycle. Some types can also control acne and unwanted hair growth.
• Insulin sensitivity medications: Metformin is a diabetes medication that helps your body use insulin properly. When insulin is controlled, some people with PCOS may notice their menstrual cycles improve.
• Androgen-blocking medications: Some medications can reduce the effects of androgen hormones. This can help control acne or hair growth. Talk to your doctor about whether this type of treatment is right for you.
• Lifestyle changes: Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight can have a positive effect on insulin levels. This is very important for managing PCOS symptoms.

If you are expecting a baby now or in the future, these can be used as treatments for PCOS:

• Medications that stimulate ovulation (which causes an egg to mature and be released): A successful pregnancy begins with ovulation. There are medications that have been shown to stimulate ovulation in people with PCOS. Clomiphene and Letrozole are taken orally. Gonadotropins are given as injections.
• Surgery: There is a surgical procedure that can help restore ovulation by removing the tissue in the ovaries that produces androgen hormones. However, because of newer medications, surgeons rarely perform this surgery.
• In vitro fertilization (IVF): This is an option for women with PCOS who are unable to ovulate with medication. This involves a doctor fertilizing one of your eggs with your partner's sperm in a lab, then implanting the embryo in your uterus.

Can PCOS be completely cured?

There is no cure for PCOS yet . But your doctor can help you manage your symptoms. The effects of PCOS may change over time, and you may not even notice the condition as much. However, this is not a permanent cure.

With the hormonal changes that occur during menopause, PCOS symptoms can be greatly reduced.

Can PCOS cause other health problems?

Research has shown that PCOS may increase the risk of the following health conditions:

• Diabetes `(Diabetes Mellitus)`
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Thickening of the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia)
• Endometrial cancer
• Sleep-related disorders such as sleep apnea
• Depression and Anxiety

It is very important to talk to your doctor to fully understand your risk of developing these conditions.

Can PCOS be prevented or its effects reduced?

There is no proven way to prevent PCOS. But you can do a few things to help reduce your symptoms. For example, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly , and maintaining a healthy weight can help you avoid the effects of PCOS.

How to live successfully with PCOS?

The best way to live successfully with PCOS is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet, and exercise regularly . These lifestyle changes can help regulate your hormone levels, which can help regulate your menstrual cycle and relieve symptoms.

If unwanted hair growth or acne is hurting your self-confidence, it may be beneficial to seek cosmetic treatment or see a dermatologist.

Finally, if you are trying to have a baby and you have PCOS, remember that you are not alone. About 1 in 10 people have PCOS. Your doctor can help you, if that is your hope, to have a baby.

What time should I see a doctor?

If you suspect you have PCOS, see a doctor. Some of the signs that may indicate PCOS include:

• An irregular monthly menstrual cycle (often more than 40 days between periods).
• Excessive hair growth, acne, or other symptoms of excessive androgen hormones.
• Difficulty conceiving a child.

What hormones are involved in PCOS?

People with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance. This can interfere with their monthly menstrual cycle, ovulation, and possibly even their ability to conceive. These hormones are like a complex network. If one is out of whack, the entire system is affected. The main hormones involved in PCOS are:

• Androgens (such as testosterone and androstenedione)
• Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Insulin `(Insulin)`

Are PCOS and endometriosis the same thing?

PCOS and endometriosis are two different conditions. But both can cause ovarian cysts and infertility. Endometriosis is when the lining of your uterus (endometrium) grows in other places, such as your ovaries, vagina, or fallopian tubes. This usually causes lower abdominal pain or severe menstrual cramps. People with PCOS also have irregular periods, irregular ovulation, and other physical side effects caused by excess male hormones.

The most important things for you to remember

PCOS is a common condition. It can affect your monthly menstrual cycle and cause other symptoms. If you suspect you have PCOS, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Lifestyle changes and medical treatments can help you manage your symptoms, reduce your risk of other health conditions, and (if that's your goal) help you have a baby. Don't worry, you're not alone, and there are ways to cope.

` PCOS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Hormonal Imbalance, Monthly Menstrual Cycle, Ovaries, Androgens, Infertility, Insulin Resistance