What Is PCOs (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) ?

If we break Polycystic, the prefix poly stands for multiple, cyst stands for cysts and suffix ic stands for pertaining to.

It is a syndrome of many ovary cysts. The most common endocrinological disorder found in women is during reproductive age.

It is a syndrome that is caused when PCOD has gone out of hand that is out of ovaries and is spreading inside the body.

Due to this, there is the effect of hormonal imbalance which has started affecting other parts of the body.

It is a metabolic syndrome that causes obesity in the central part of the body, which is also known as truncal obesity.

Many times women are affected with acne or hair growth, It is a multifactorial disease which means that there are many moving parts but the main cause of it is the excess process of androgens that is male sex hormones.

These androgens lead to altered gonadotropin levels which stop ovulation from occurring.

PCOs also have abnormalities in how the brain or the pituitary gland communicates with the ovaries, which may also lead to androgen overproduction.

It may happen that other hormones from the ovary or fat tissue may also be involved. 

Symptoms Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:

• Irregular or heavy menstrual cycle
• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or anywhere where in general men have hair growth.
• Oily skin or acne
• Thinness or excessive hair loss.
• Weight gain/ obesity
• Dark patches on skin near neck and chest.

Risks Of PCOs (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

Genetics:

In the case of twins, if one twin has PCOs then it’s most likely that the other twin has it too.

Even first-degree relatives with PCOs can most likely way it too. So there is a definite chance having chance of PCOs in genetics.

Environmental Influences:

There are some factors that are due to environmental factors such as the improper intake of diet and nutrition, environmental toxins, and geography.

It is said that environmental toxins that disrupt reproductive health.

Obesity:

Obesity can be one huge factor for polycystic ovary syndrome, Pre-puberty is also the main factor.

It has been revealed by Epidemiological data that between 38% – 88% of women with PCOs are due to obesity.

Diagnosis Of PCOs (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

First, your medical records will be checked and then your physical test would be done. Which will include pelvic examination so as to examine the reproductive condition of your body.

Hyperandrogenism:

It may include acne, inflamed skin, hair loss, increased body or facial hair, and irregular menstruation. It also includes a high level of blood cholesterol and diabetes.

Ultrasound:

With ultrasound, it is checked if you have cysts in the ovary. They are basically immature or undeveloped follicles that get stalled because the estrogen and progesterone are not working well.

Hormonal Blood Tests:

Blood tests and free androgen index are the best tests to diagnose. Sex hormone-binding globulin is also very helpful. 

Treatment For POCs:

Basically, PCOs are like diabetes, if get it once you can’t get rid of it. But there definitely are measures to take care of it.

PCOs aren’t something that just happens overnight and the main cause of it due to unhealthy lifestyle. There definitely are cures that will help you to minimize it or eradicate it.

Medicines:

There are many medications that are available for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Some of which are Clomiphene, Letrozole, and Metformin are some of it. These should be taken with the advice of doctors only.

Lifestyle Changes:

Generally in overweight women, PCOs are most commonly found and this can be reduced with weight loss. Eating healthy and excising regularly should be a daily routine. A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and cereals should be there.

Insulin:

Insulin sensitizing agents are recommended to most women with PCOs because they have positive effects on insulin resistance, menstrual irregularities, anovulation, hirsutism, and obesity.

If you don’t want to get pregnant, there are some treatments for that too.

Birth Control Pills:

Birth control pills aren’t helpful in the long run but they can help you in the short run in the beginning stage of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

It helps to control the menstrual cycle, lower androgen levels, and reduce acne.

Diet And Exercise:

A proper diet and regular exercise will help you with losing weight and reduce the symptoms. Which will help your body with low blood glucose levels and use of insulin properly.

How To Treat PCOs?

When you get detected by any type of symptom or disease it generally affects your mental health.

It has been found that teens and women who have PCOs or polycystic ovary syndrome often deal with depression.

Obviously, there are ways in which you can take care of your physical and mental health which should be a priority.

There is medication available for removing acne and facial hair. But, taking the right amount and following instructions is a must as it can have side effects too.

Make an appointment with a therapist and visit regularly. If you talk to people with the same symptoms it’ll help you and give you courage.

Things won’t be better just overnight, a process takes time so being patient and doing exercise and eating healthy will help a lot. Don’t criticize yourself or don’t self-hate.