Overcoming Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder affecting about 12-18% of women in the reproductive age. PCOS symptoms and causes include irregular periods, excessive male-type hair growth, thinning of scalp hair, acne, obesity, difficulty in losing weight, dark patches of skin and infertility.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Causes
The exact polycystic ovarian syndrome causes are still not known. However, it is speculated that the syndrome occurs as a result of interplay of genetic and environmental factors which throw the hormones out of gear. Insulin resistance is believed to be the culprit. Insulin is the hormone produced in the pancreas that allows our body to use sugar (glucose). Insulin resistance means that the normal levels of insulin are producing sub-normal effects, resulting in excess insulin being released. Excess insulin might affect the ovaries by increasing male hormone/androgen production, which may interfere with the ovaries’ ability to release eggs/ovulation.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Symptoms
The PCOS symptoms and causes can often be confusing. If you feel that you are at an increased risk of developing this disorder or if you feel that your symptoms closely mirror those of PCOS, please seek immediate medical help.
Irregular, infrequent, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
Excess hair growth, acne, and obesity can all occur in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
In adolescents, infrequent or absent menstruation may raise suspicion for the condition.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Causes
Why Is Early Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Important?
The exact cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
PCOS Causes and Treatment
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Causes are still not known. Doctors believe that hormonal imbalances and genetics play a role. Women are more likely to develop PCOS if their mother or sister also has the condition.
Overproduction of the hormone androgen may be another contributing factor. Androgen is a male sex hormone that women’s bodies also produce. Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen. This can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. Excess insulin (a hormone that helps convert sugars and starches into energy) may cause high androgen levels.
PCOS Treatment
Polycystic ovaria syndrome treatment focuses on each of your symptom and hence PCOS causes and treatment is different from person to person. Lifestyle modifications become as important as medication in case of PCOS Management.
Lifestyle changes
If you are battling with infertility related to PCOS, your doctor will recommend weight loss to increase the effectiveness of the medication.
A low-calorie diet coupled with moderate exercise has known to greatly improve the symptoms related to PCOS. Doctors typically recommending losing 5% of your body weight to begin with.
Overcoming PCOS
PCOS causes and treatments differ from person to person: Consequently, the medications also vary according to the PCOS symptoms and causes a woman has.
To help a woman with PCOS ovulate
- Clomiphene
- Letrozole
- Metformin
- Gonadotropins. These hormone medications are given by injection.
To reduce excessive hair growth
- Birth control pills. These pills decrease androgen production that can cause excessive hair growth.
- Spironolactone
- Eflornithine
- Electrolysis
To regulate your menstrual cycle
- Combination birth control pills.
- Progestin therapy.
Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Sleep apnea
- Endometrial cancer
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Breast cancer
