Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

We hear a lot about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which many females suffer from. It also leads to numerous problems if not managed.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs during the reproductive years when there’s excessive production of hormones called androgens in a female, and that leads to an imbalance in the reproductive hormones. PCOS also causes the formation of small cysts filled with immature eggs on the ovaries, but this doesn’t mean that each female who has PCOS must have these cysts to be diagnosed.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a very common condition, and about 15% of females in the reproductive years have it.

Causes and risk factors leading to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

The exact cause of PCOS isn’t known, yet there are many factors that increase the risk of having it, in addition to the excessive androgen, such as:

• Heredity.
• Obesity.
• Insulin resistance (the cells aren’t responding correctly to the insulin, which increases the blood sugar).
• Chronic low-degree inflammation in the body. Inflammation results in making substances to fight foreign bodies, and that leads to increasing the androgen.

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Females can have PCOS without symptoms, which include the following:

• Irregular periods.
• Difficulty getting pregnant.
• Hirsutism.
• Difficulty losing weight.
• Cysts on the ovaries.
• Acne.
• Darkening of the skin and little flaps of extra skin.
• Hair patches loss and head baldness.

Complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Infertility.
• Obesity.
• Pregnancy problems, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preterm birth, and miscarriage.
• Metabolic syndrome (it’s diagnosed with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol or triglycerides).
• Type 2 diabetes.
• Sleep apnea.
• Steatohepatitis.
• Eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.
• Endometrial cancer.

Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Physical examination.
• Imaging tests.
• Blood tests.

Management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

There isn’t a cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be managed and the menstrual cycle can be regulated by:

• Following a healthy lifestyle.
• Losing weight if you’re overweight.
• Some medications.