Are you like Nadeesha? Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms and Solutions

Today was a different day at my clinic. A young woman came in early in the morning. Her eyes were filled with tears . Her name was Nadeesha. When she sat down in the chair in front of me, I looked at her and smiled, "What's wrong, Nadeesha?" I asked.

Nadeesha thought for a while and said sadly, 'Doctor, I haven't had my period in months. It's been a big problem for me. Also, I have a lot of hair growing on my face. I have a lot of acne. I'm very scared.'

'Hmm… I understand. As you say, you could have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This causes a slight change in hormones . That's why the menstrual cycle , that is, the menstrual cycle, becomes irregular.' I told him.

Diagnosis of PCOS

'But to know for sure, we need to confirm by doing an abdominal scan to look at the ovaries .'

‘Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? What does that mean?’ Nadeesha asked.

"That means, Nadeesha, small cysts are forming in your ovaries. They're like fluid-filled sacs. They're interfering with the process of releasing the ovum . That's why you're not getting your period," I explained.

PCOS and fertility

"'Then doctor, will I not be able to have children?'" she asked again. The fear in her eyes was clear.

"No, Nadeesha, don't worry. It can be a little difficult for people with PCOS to have children. But there are treatments. Many of them have been able to have children normally. Also, losing some weight is very important," I told her.

Causes of PCOS

'What are the reasons for that, doctor?' Nadeesha asked.

"There are many reasons, Nadeesha. Factors like insulin resistance, low- grade inflammation , and heredity can all contribute to this. Also, overproduction of a hormone called androgen is another reason," I explained.

Possible complications due to PCOS

"And what are the complications of this?" Nadeesha asked.

'Good question. This can slightly increase the risks of diabetes, heart diseases, miscarriages, etc. And there can also be a condition called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. That is, a lot of fat accumulates in the liver and can damage the liver. There can also be a condition called metabolic syndrome. That is, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol problems come together and greatly increase the risk of heart diseases. There can also be difficulty breathing during sleep called sleep apnea. There can also be mental health problems like depression, anxiety. If it goes on for a long time, things like endometrial cancer can also occur. But we also do treatments for that. So there is nothing to be afraid of. Let's find solutions to all this.' I assured him.

The role of the doctor

"Thank you very much, Doctor," Nadeesha said. The fear that had previously appeared on her face had largely disappeared.

After he left, I thought about how important my duty is as a doctor. It is very important to not only give patients medicine, but also to ease their fears and give them confidence.

Let's learn a little more about PCOS.

Many others like Nadeesha may have PCOS, so it's important to learn more about it.

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is not yet known, but the following factors may contribute:

• Insulin resistance: Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas. This is what allows cells to use sugar. If cells do not respond properly to insulin, that is, if they become resistant to insulin, the amount of sugar in the blood can increase. Then the body starts to produce more insulin to reduce the amount of sugar in the blood. The production of more insulin can also cause the production of a hormone called androgen. Then the process of releasing an ovum (egg) can be disrupted.
• Low-grade inflammation: White blood cells produce substances in response to infection. This is called low-grade inflammation. Research shows that people with PCOS have long-term, low-grade inflammation. This is when the polycystic ovaries start to produce androgens.
• Heredity: Research suggests that certain genes may be involved in PCOS. If someone in your family has PCOS, you are more likely to develop it too.
• Excess androgen production: In PCOS, the ovaries can produce excess androgens. Excess androgens interfere with the process of releasing an ovum (egg). This is what causes irregular menstrual cycles.

Symptoms of PCOS

People with PCOS may experience symptoms such as:

• Irregular periods: Missing a period or having an irregular menstrual cycle is a major symptom of PCOS.
• Androgen hormone effects: If there is too much of the hormone androgen, excess hair can grow on the face and body. This is also called hirsutism. Sometimes, large acne can appear on the face.
• Polycystic ovaries: Your ovaries may be larger than normal. Many follicles containing immature eggs, or ovum, may develop around the ovary.

Complications of PCOS

People with PCOS may experience the following complications:

• Infertility: This can make it difficult to have children.
• Gestational diabetes: Diabetes can occur during pregnancy.
• Miscarriage: The risk of miscarriage may increase.
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Fat can accumulate in the liver and damage the liver.
• Metabolic syndrome: This is a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and cholesterol problems that greatly increases the risk of heart disease.
• Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes can develop later.
• Sleep apnea: Difficulty breathing during sleep.
• Depression and anxiety: Mental health problems may also occur.
• Endometrial cancer: If left untreated, it can lead to endometrial cancer.

Treatment for PCOS

There is no complete cure for PCOS, but there are treatments to control the symptoms.

• Lifestyle changes: Losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet are important. This can help control insulin levels and normalize your menstrual cycle.
• Medical treatment: Your doctor can give you medication to help normalize your menstrual cycle, reduce androgen levels, and control diabetes.
• Treatment for those who are infertile: If you are having difficulty having children, there are special treatments for that too.

Finally

If you have PCOS, it is very important to see a doctor and get advice. Early diagnosis can reduce the risk of complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)