Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) : Symptoms ,Diagnosis , Causes, and Treatment

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Overview:POlycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age (15 to 44). Between 2.2 and 26.7 percent of women in this age group have PCOS. It is characterized by an imbalance of sex hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth on the face and body. It involves cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male hormones, and irregular periods. PCOS can also cause infertility and increase the risk of other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance causes their body to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant. Treatment options include hormonal birth control and the diabetes drug metformin. Birth control pills and diabetes drugs (which combat insulin resistance, a PCOS symptom) can help fix the hormone imbalance and improve symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Some women start seeing symptoms around the time of their first period. Others only discover they have PCOS after they’ve gained a lot of weight or they’ve had trouble getting pregnant. 

The most common PCOS symptoms are: 

• Irregular periods. A lack of ovulation prevents the uterine lining from shedding every month. Some women with PCOS get fewer than eight periods a year or none at all (10Trusted Source).

• Heavy bleeding. The uterine lining builds up for a longer period of time, so the periods you do get can be heavier than normal.

• Hair growth. More than 70 percent of women with this condition grow hair on their face and body — including on their back, belly, and chest (11). Excess hair growth is called hirsutism.

• Acne. Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts on areas like the face, chest, and upper back.

• Weight gain. Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are higher weight or have obesity.

• Male pattern baldness. Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.

• Darkening of the skin. Dark patches of skin can form in body creases like those on the neck, in the groin, and under the breasts.

• Headaches. Hormone changes can trigger headaches in some women.

In addition to these physical symptoms, PCOS can also have a significant impact on a woman’s emotional well-being. Many women with PCOS experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem as a result of their symptoms. The hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain, leading to mood swings and other psychological issues. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing PCOS can be challenging, as there is no single test that can definitively confirm the presence of the disorder. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a combination of symptoms, physical exams, and lab tests to make a diagnosis. Doctors typically diagnose PCOS in women who have at least two of these three symptoms (17Trusted Source): 

• high androgen levels

• irregular menstrual cycles

• cysts in the ovaries

A key indicator of PCOS is the presence of multiple cysts on the ovaries, which can be seen using an ultrasound. Blood tests may also be used to measure hormone levels and rule out other potential causes of the symptoms. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that women with a family history of PCOS are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. In addition, certain lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress can also contribute to the development of PCOS.  

Treatment

Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of other health problems. Medications such as birth control pills, metformin, and spironolactone may also be prescribed to help regulate hormone levels and manage symptoms. 

Conclusion

 In conclusion, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects many women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a variety of symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain. Diagnosis can be challenging, but with the right combination of symptoms, physical exams, and lab tests, healthcare providers can make an accurate diagnosis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of long-term complications through lifestyle changes and medication. If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and develop a treatment plan. https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease#what-is-pcos 

https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease#what-is-pcos

https://www.berryfertility.com/articles/pcos-and-fertility-everything-you-need-to-know

https://mapleleafmedical.com.au/blog/2019/9/21/pcos-polycystic-ovary-syndrome

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