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PCOS – Symptoms and remedies
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age group. PCOS is a result of increased production of androgen, a male hormone and an imbalance in the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Due to the imbalance of hormones, women don’t have their periods regularly and have problems conceiving. Due to the increased production of androgen, women may see hair loss on the head and hair growth on face and body.
In healthy women, the ovaries produce a matured egg every 28 days and that is released into the uterus. The egg then waits for a period of 24 hours for a sperm to fertilize it. If a sperm meets it and fertilizes it, the woman gets pregnant, otherwise, the egg drops off and then after a couple of weeks, the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) sheds during menstruation.
Women suffering from PCOS develop several small fluid filled sacks inside the ovaries. These sacks have immature eggs that are not released into the uterus. As a result, the menstrual cycle and the hormonal balance gets disturbed resulting in irregular periods and production of more of androgen.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Irregular periods – Release of egg has to occur at regular intervals; accordingly the shedding of endometrium also happens at regular intervals. When the egg is not released into the uterus, the cycle gets disturbed and the woman may not have regular periods.
As the endometrium keeps on building up due to the irregular releasing of eggs, when it sheds, it causes a lot of bleeding. - Hair growth on face, belly, chest etc due to the production of androgen. Acne may also be seen as the skin becomes oily due to androgen production.
- Women with PCOS tend to put on weight
- Loss of hair on head may be seen.
- Darkening of skin, headaches are other symptoms experienced by women with PCOS.
Diagnosis of PCOS
When you present yourself to a good gynecologist, PCOS may be diagnosed with the symptoms such as growth of facial hair, losing hair on head, acne, irregular and heavy periods. In order to confirm the same, your doctor may ask you to get blood tests done to know the levels of androgen in the body. Other parameters such as cholesterol, insulin may also be measured to check for the risk of other diseases.
A physical pelvic exam may also be done to check for any abnormal growths. Your gynecologist will insert his/her gloved hand through the vagina and look for any abnormal growths. An ultrasound test may also be prescribed to take a detailed look at the organs in the pelvis region.
How to prevent PCOS
The first and foremost thing to work on is body weight. Women who are obese are at higher risk of developing PCOS. Regular brisk walking, working out are necessary to bring body weight under control.
Lifestyle changes, changes in food habits are also advised to check on your body weight. Eating foods with low carbohydrates, consuming more fruits and vegetables can help in losing weight without the side effects of dieting. Healthy food combined with good exercise routine, not only reduces the extra fat from your body but also regulates your hormones and menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture is said to treat PCOS effectively but more studies are needed to confirm the claim.
When should you see a good gynecologist?
If you notice any of the following happening to you:
- Growth of facial hair and/or loss of hair on head
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
- If you are not getting your periods regularly and if you don’t get a period for long even though you are sure that you are not pregnant
- If you have heavy periods that come after long interval
You must see a good gynecologist near you. As said, your doctor will put you on medication or hormone therapy as the need may be and advise you on lifestyle changes depending your physical health condition.