Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder experienced by women of reproductive age. The condition comes with a wide variety of symptoms and also poses a significant risk of developing other health conditions. Keep reading to know more about PCOS symptoms and treatments.
PCOS symptoms
Below are listed some of the most common polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms:
- Irregularity in getting periods
- Frequent acne breakouts
- Excessive growth of hair
- Weight gain
- Difficulty in conceiving
- Mood swings
- Problematic sleep
PCOS causes
You might now wonder what causes PCOS. Although medical professionals do not yet define the exact cause of PCOS, studies suggest a mixture of environmental and genetic factors causes it. Below are some probable PCOS causes:
1. Hormonal imbalance:
Hormonal imbalance is one of the most significant causes of PCOS. It has been found that women with higher androgen levels, such as testosterone, result in symptoms such as irregular periods, acne breakouts, and excess hair growth.
2. Several environmental factors:
Another cause of PCOS might be increased exposure to toxins in the environment or endocrine disruptors.
3. Insulin resistance:
Insulin is primarily responsible for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Women with PCOS may develop insulin resistance, meaning that their cell doesn’t provide a proper insulin response. This results in more insulin production in the body, leading to increased androgen production and other hormonal imbalances.
4. Inflammation:
Studies revealed that inflammation plays a significant role in developing PCOS.
5. Genetics:
Women with a family background of PCOS are more prone to developing it as it retains a genetic component.
PCOS treatments
Some of the most common PCOS treatments often recommended by healthcare professionals are as follows:
• Medications:
Several medications manage symptoms such as PCOS pain, bloating, and fatigue. These medications include insulin-sensitising agents, birth control pills, and anti-androgen medications, which prove effective in regularising periods, improving insulin resistance, and also lower excess growth of hair.
• Changes in lifestyle:
Lifestyle changes such as opting for weight loss with the help of exercise and diet can help in the reduction of insulin resistance and enhance the hormonal balance that occurs with PCOS. Exercising regularly can also reduce the several health complications associated with PCOS and improve fertility.
• Treatments for increasing fertility:
Women having PCOS can also be treated through various fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization or ovulation induction. This helps them to improve their chances of conceiving along with an improvement in PCOS symptoms.
• Surgery:
Surgery is the last treatment option for PCOS once all other fails. It is rarely recommended for women with PCOS. This includes a surgical procedure called ovarian drilling that helps in the stimulation of the process of ovulation by removing tiny ovary pieces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is quite a complex condition that affects women mostly of reproductive age. For the proper PCOS diagnosis, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional who will recommend the proper treatment after considering several factors, such as age and medical history.
FAQs related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
1. What are the four stages of PCOS?
There are no mentionable stages of PCOS as defined by healthcare professionals. However, they have suggested four different types of PCOS based on their symptoms. These include insulin-resistant, pill-induced, inflammatory, and hidden cause PCOS.
2. At what age does PCOS start?
PCOS might start at any age post-puberty, although it is commonly diagnosed in women between 20 and 30. A study revealed that about 5-10% of women of reproductive age tend to have PCOS.
3. Can PCOS be cured entirely?
Although the exact cure for PCOS is not known, treatment can prove helpful in managing the symptoms. The treatment plan will depend on an individual’s medical history, symptoms, and other factors.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.