Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders affecting women today. It impacts around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, causing a range of symptoms that can interfere with daily life. If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, or suspect you might be experiencing symptoms, you’re not alone.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a hormonal disturbance that influences a woman's ovaries. Ovaries in their normal state produce minor amounts of male hormones (androgens), but in the case of PCOS women, these are elevated. This disturbance interferes with the proper growth and discharge of eggs from the ovaries, resulting in symptoms that vary.

The name "polycystic" is given because of the numerous small cysts that appear on the ovaries. The cysts are immature follicles, and since they don't properly release eggs, they lead to an increase in hormone production.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS can differ between women, and some women may only have a few symptoms, while others can have several. Some common symptoms of PCOS are:

• Irregular Periods: Infrequent or long periods are one of the characteristic symptoms of PCOS. This is because there is no ovulation (release of the egg), which makes it more difficult for women with PCOS to get pregnant.
• Excess Hair Growth: Excess male hormones (androgens) can result in unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, or abdomen.
• Acne and Oily Skin: Acne breakouts, especially around the jawline, chin, and back, can be caused by hormonal imbalances.
• Thinning of Hair on the Scalp: PCOS women can experience thinning or hair shedding on their scalp, which is also called "female-pattern baldness."
• Weight Gain or Insulin Resistance: Weight gain or a tendency to be resistant to insulin are common complaints for most PCOS women, due to the metabolic impact of the hormonal imbalance.
• Infertility: As ovulation is either irregular or does not occur, PCOS women have trouble becoming pregnant.

How PCOS Impacts Your Health

In addition to the short-term symptoms, PCOS can also have long-lasting impacts on the overall health of a woman. Some of them are:

• Type 2 Diabetes Risk: Women with PCOS are prone to insulin resistance, which puts them at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Heart Disease: High blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol in the blood may pose a threat of cardiovascular diseases in women suffering from PCOS.
• Endometrial Cancer: Women with PCOS who don't have regular menstruation are at increased risk of developing endometrial cancer because of the accumulation of the uterine lining.
• Mental Health Issues: Coping with physical symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

How to Manage PCOS Effectively

Although there is no cure for PCOS, treatment is available for managing symptoms effectively. Treatment also depends on the symptoms a woman is experiencing, her age, and whether or not she has plans to have a baby.

1. Lifestyle Changes:

Food: A diet that is healthy, low-sugar, and balanced can take care of insulin resistance, improve periods, and overall well-being.

• Fill your plate with the good stuff: Think colorful fruits, plenty of veggies, whole grains such as brown rice or oats, and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes.
• Cut back on the sweet and starchy stuff: Try to cut down on sugary snacks, soda, white bread, and highly processed foods—they can play havoc with your blood sugar and hormones.
• Get your fiber on: Beans, lentils, whole grains, and vegetables are all high in fiber. They keep your blood sugar stable and promote improved insulin function.
• Try going lower on carbohydrates: Some women with PCOS do better eating fewer carbs in general. It can help with weight, energy, and hormonal balance—but listen to your body and see a nutritionist if you're not sure.
• Control caffeine and alcohol: Both in excess can upset your hormones and exacerbate symptoms. Moderation is best!
• Hydrate with water: It's good for your skin, but it also helps metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

Exercise Regularly: Exercise can decrease insulin resistance, decrease blood glucose levels, and enhance mood and energy levels.

• Move your body often: Strive to get most days of activity with a combination of strength work (consider bodyweight moves or light weights) and cardio (such as dancing, cycling, or walking).
• Throw some HIIT into the mix: High-Intensity Interval Training—short intervals of hard activity alternating with periods of rest—is amazing for blood sugar control and burning calories. Even two to three times per week is enough!
• Try calming movement too: Yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi aren't just relaxing—they lower stress hormones and bring greater balance to your body as a whole.
• Ease into it: If you're just beginning or coming back after a while, go slowly and build. It's best to be regular rather than burning out or doing too much.

2. Medications:

• Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills are hormonal contraceptives that can stabilize menstrual cycles, improve acne, and slow down excessive hair growth.
• Metformin: Known to treat type 2 diabetes, Metformin can enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease blood sugar levels and, consequently, may also assist with PCOS.
• Anti-androgen Medications: Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone can counteract the effects of excess testosterone, thereby reducing excessive hair growth and acne.

3. Surgical Option:

In exceptional situations where drugs have not worked, ovarian drilling (a laparoscopic procedure) can be suggested. It is a process of creating tiny punctures in the ovaries to achieve normal ovulation.

4. Psychological Support:

Treatment of the emotional and psychological impact of PCOS is as crucial as treatment of the physical symptoms. Therapy, support groups, and lifestyle modifications can enhance mental well-being and increase self-esteem.

Conclusion

PCOS is a prevalent condition, yet it needn't dominate your life. Most women with PCOS, when properly treated and managed, can live a healthy, meaningful life. If you are battling PCOS, we urge you to contact Neotia Getwel Multispeciality Hospital for a consultation. Our qualified staff is available to walk with you through every aspect of the journey—from diagnosis through treatment and after.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to give accurate information on the topic, unintended & typographical errors due to human intervention cannot be excluded. Such discrepancies, if any, are to be notified to the blogger for correction.