Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

 

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that occurs during reproductive years. If you have PCOS, you may not get periods very frequently. Alternatively, you may experience long-lasting phases. You may possibly have an excess of the hormone androgen in your body.

PCOS causes numerous tiny fluid sacs to form along the ovary's outer edge. These are known as cysts. The small, fluid-filled cysts contain immature eggs. These are called follicles. The follicles do not routinely release eggs.

The exact cause of PCOS remains unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment, combined with weight loss, may reduce the risk of long-term consequences like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What causes PCOS?

The specific cause of PCOS is unclear. Insulin resistance is common among women with PCOS. This indicates the body is unable to use insulin effectively. Insulin levels increase in the body, potentially leading to greater androgen levels. Obesity can also boost insulin levels, exacerbating PCOS symptoms.

PCOS can also run in families. Sisters or mothers and daughters are frequently diagnosed with PCOS.

What are the risks for PCOS?

If your mother or sibling has PCOS, you may be more likely to develop the condition. You may also be more likely to develop it if you have insulin resistance or are overweight.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

  • Missed, irregular, or extremely light periods.

  • Ovaries with a considerable number of cysts

  • Excess body hair on the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism).

  • Weight increase, particularly around the midsection.

  • Acne or oily skin?

  • Male pattern baldness or thinning hair.

  • Infertility 

  • Skin tags are little bits of extra skin found on the neck or armpits.

  • Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, armpits, and under the breasts.

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Your health care practitioner will inquire about your medical history and current symptoms. You will also get a physical examination. This will most likely include a pelvic examination. This test evaluates the health of your reproductive organs, both inside and outside your body.

Some PCOS symptoms are similar to those associated with other health issues. As a result, you may encounter tests like:

  • Ultrasound. This test utilizes sound waves and a computer to generate images of blood arteries, tissues, and organs. This test is performed to determine the size of the ovaries and whether they contain cysts. The test can also assess the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium)

  • Blood tests.These look for elevated levels of androgens and other hormones. Your doctor may also check your blood glucose levels. You may also have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels examined.

How is PCOS treated?

There are several elements that influence PCOS treatment. These may include your age, the severity of your symptoms, and your general health. The type of treatment you receive may also be determined by your desire to conceive in the future.

If you do plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:

  • A change in diet and activity. A nutritious diet and increased physical activity can help you lose weight and manage your symptoms. They can also help your body use insulin more effectively, lower blood glucose levels, and maybe help you ovulate.

  • Medications to cause ovulation. Medications can help the ovaries discharge eggs regularly. These drugs also carry certain hazards. They can enhance the likelihood of having multiple births. Furthermore, they can cause ovarian hyperstimulation. This is when the ovaries overproduce hormones. It might result in symptoms including abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.

If you do not plan to become pregnant, your treatment may include:

  • Birth control pills. These help to control your menstrual cycles, lower androgen levels, and reduce your acne.

  • Diabetes medication. This is often used to lower insulin resistance in PCOS. It may also help to reduce androgen levels, slow hair growth, and help you ovulate more regularly.

  • A change in diet and activity. A healthy diet and more physical activity can help you in weight loss and reduce your symptoms. They can also help your body use insulin more efficiently, lower blood glucose levels, and may help you ovulate.

  • Medications to treat other symptoms. Some medications can help you reduce your hair growth or acne.

What are the complications of PCOS?

Complications of PCOS can include:

  • Infertility

  • Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure

  • Miscarriage or premature birth

  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis — a severe liver inflammation caused by fat buildup in the liver

  • Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol or triglyceride levels that significantly increase your risk of heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease

  • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes

  • Sleep apnea

  • Depression, anxiety and eating disorders

  • Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)

Obesity commonly occurs with PCOS and can worsen complications of the disorder.

 

In cases of unexplained infertility, precise diagnosis and timely management are of paramount importance. As age advances, there is a natural decline in egg quality, which can be disheartening for women, especially when they realize that after 35 years of age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decrease rapidly. Interestingly, age has a minimal impact on semen parameters in male partners. Nevertheless, the field of modern medicine has opened doors to parenthood for couples facing unexplained infertility through a variety of fertility treatments, including IVF.

If you're experiencing PCOS , consulting with an PCOS specialist Dr Elsa De Menezes is the pcos specialist Doctor in Dubai you can couslt with her. 

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