Polycystic ovaries have become a common problem with the changing lifestyle and eating habits, especially amongst teenagers and young adults. Every 1 in 5 women suffers from this syndrome. Being so common and recurring, you may undoubtedly believe that this is easily treatable. Nevertheless, there is no specific cure to this; further discomfort and problem can be prevented but not entirely treated using medication.
In Australia, the National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria is compared to self-reported PCOS to deduce the prevalence of cystic ovaries in young females successfully.
The causes of PCOS
- Excessive insulin – Excess insulin production in the body increases androgen production, leading to ovulation problems.
- Hereditary – polycystic ovaries can run in families. Not one but many genes contribute to this health condition.
- Inflammation – Women suffering from PCOS tend to have increased levels of inflammation, which could, in turn, lead to high androgen levels.
Symptoms of PCOS
Some of the familiar symptoms include:
- Irregular missed or light periods – Lack of ovulation prevents the shedding of the uterine lining every month.
- Unusually large ovaries – The prevalence of cysts (fluid-filled sacs) may lead to enlarged ovaries.
- Excessive body hair growth on the face, chest, back, and stomach
- Sudden weight gain around the waist and stomach
- Oily skin with acne and pimples
- Excessive hair loss and make pattern baldness
- Infertility – The hormonal imbalance may interfere with the production, growth, and release of eggs.
- Skin tags – Small pieces of excess skin
- Dark skin patches behind the neck, armpits, and under the breasts
- Headaches – Hormonal changes and imbalance may lead to headaches
Diagnosis
Many of you may be facing the above symptoms and may wonder whether they are a sign of polycystic ovaries or some other underlying issue.
Here are a few diagnosis techniques that would accurately detect PCOS:
- Ultrasound – This test is usually done to look at the size of the ovaries and determine the presence of ovarian cysts. The thickness of the uterus lining is also checked.
- Blood tests – Blood tests are usually done to check the hormonal levels like androgen and testosterone. The blood is often taken to examine if you are at risk of developing cholesterol and thyroid as people with polycystic ovaries are at a higher risk of developing such health conditions.
Possible health complications
PCOS not only affects your reproductive organs but may also lead to health complications in the future if not treated at a young age.
Some of the complications are:
- Infertility and miscarriages or premature birth
- High blood pressure and gestational diabetes
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis – Fat accumulation leading to severe inflammation
- Metabolic syndrome – High blood pressure, high blood sugar, cholesterol, increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Eating disorders, severe anxiety and depression
- Abnormal spotting and uterine bleeding
- Endometrial cancer
- Severe obesity
Treatment
The type of treatment depends on several factors like age, the severity of the problem, underlying health issues, and whether you want to get pregnant in the future or not.You can also visit With Power to learn more about the clinical trials for PCOS.
In cases where pregnancy is a criterion, the treatment includes:
- Lifestyle changes – change in diet and activities. A healthy diet with regular exercise and more physical activity could speed weight loss and reduce the symptoms. A healthy and active lifestyle could also lower glucose levels and lead to regular ovulation.
- Medication – Certain medications and help the ovaries to release eggs normally. Although these medications may give a positive result, they come with certain risks, including multiple births and ovarian hyperstimulation.
In case of no pregnancy:
- Birth control pills – These are mainly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and balance the hormonal levels.
- Diabetes medication is used to lower insulin resistance and androgen levels, slow hair growth, and regulate ovulation.
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