Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes, Symptoms, and Management

PCOS Meaning: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is defined as a hormonal disorder among women in their reproductive age. This condition affects the ovaries and the reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and female hormones. 

In PCOS, the word “polycystic” was named after the main cause of PCOS, where the ovaries develop small cysts or fluid-filled sacs and there is an increased production of androgens also termed male hormones. 

Usually, male sex hormones are present in women in very small amounts but due to hormonal imbalance ovaries start producing androgens at an abnormal rate which causes the development of small cysts causing PCOS.

In some cases, when a woman is not able to produce sufficient harmons required for ovulation - a process where a mature egg is released from the ovary for fertilization- then ovaries may start developing cysts, which in turn produce hormones called androgens. 

This condition can cause irregular periods in women which is one of the most common PCOS symptoms. 

The PCOS treatment usually involves medication since it can’t be cured entirely. However, it can be brought under control by reducing its symptoms and following proper medication.

What is Causing Me PCOS?

Dear ladies, the main cause of PCOS is still undercover and has not been discovered yet, but various factors can be considered as the most effective cause of PCOS. Those causes are given below:

1. Hormonal Imbalance:

The very first cause of PCOS can be hormonal imbalance. As explained earlier, imbalances in hormones occur when the ovaries start producing male sex hormones or androgens. This imbalance disturbs the menstrual cycle and normal functioning of the ovaries which leads to the formation of cysts. 

2. Resistance to Insulin: In many cases, women with PCOS are resistant to insulin- a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels in your body. Insulin resistance can increase insulin levels in the body causing ovaries to produce more androgens.

3. Genetics: One of the causes of PCOS can be genetics, too. It is, more likely for women to have PCOS with a family history of this disorder. 

4. Lifestyle factors: PCOS can also be caused due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and obesity. Excess fat accumulated in the abdomen increases insulin resistance and hormone levels, as a result causing PCOS symptoms. 

5. Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation can also turn out to be one of the causes of PCOS. Inflammation can disrupt hormone regulation leading to PCOS. 

How To Know If I have PCOS?

By knowing the PCOS symptoms you can comprehend if you are suffering from PCOS or if it is something else. 

1. Irregular menstrual cycle: One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is experiencing irregular periods. Sometimes due to changes in climate, place, and eating habits, you may get your period early or a week after the due date. 

But if this is not the case and you are experiencing irregular periods for more than 3 months then it is not normal. 

The duration between the first period and the second period usually ranges from 21 to 35 days having an average of 28 days. The duration can vary from person to person, but if you are getting periods irregularly then you need to consult a doctor. 

2. Ovulation problems: Another symptom of PCOS is related to ovulation. Here, PCOS can disrupt ovulation leading to infertility and difficulty in conceiving.

 

3. Excessive Hair growth: Due to abnormal secretion of male sex hormones, females may experience excessive hair growth on their face, chest, back, and abdomen. The quality of hairs will be coarse and dark same as in the male body.

4. Hair Loss: In many women suffering from PCOS they can experience heavy hair loss in place of hair growth. The hair loss will happen mainly on the crown of the head.  

5. Acne: there can be multiple reasons for face acne, if you have face acne but not experiencing any other symptoms then rest assured you don’t have PCOS. Face acne can be caused due to oily food, lack of skincare, dehydration, pollution, etc. In PCOS, acne breakouts are possible, especially on the face chest area, and back. 

6. Weight gain: Gaining weight in a short period can be a symptom of PCOS. It will be difficult to lose weight and you will experience unexplained weight gain. 

Other than these common symptoms, women may experience sleep disturbance, mood swings, pelvic pain, skin changes, etc. These are some of the symptoms through which you can determine whether you are suffering from PCOS. But, you are advised to seek a doctor's consultation. 

So, if you are planning to seek a doctor's consultation, give CritiCare Hospital a chance to serve you. With our expert team having the best gynecologist in Lucknow, you will experience the best PCOS management consultation. and treatment. 

Criticare Hospital understands your conditions and your health concerns, that's why we aim to provide the most suitable treatment to our patients. We value their privacy and try to provide them assistance in each step of their treatment, hence considered the best private hospital in Lucknow. 

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How to Treat PCOS?

There are many ways through which PCOS can be treated. Along with medical assistance, you can also follow some methods to treat PCOS:

1. Medication: When you consult a doctor then few medications will be prescribed to you to control the hormone levels and reduce symptoms such as excessive hair growth/loss, acne, menstrual cycle, etc

2. Healthy diet: Along with the medication, you need to maintain a proper diet. Avoid all the junk foods and beverages such as caffeine. Eat a full meal rich in iron, protein, calcium, vitamins, etc.

3. Regular exercise: Only eating healthy won’t benefit you, regular exercise is also very important. Exercise will help your body lose weight and will enhance the performance of all the organs in your body, making you physically fit 

4. Weight management: Another thing you need to follow is managing your weight. You can also get assistance from your doctor as to what steps you need to take. Otherwise managing your weight simply means neither getting obese nor keeping yourself underweight.

5. Regular monitoring: Regular checkups are essential in PCOS as they will help you know the level of improvement you have in your condition. 

Let’s Wind Up

In this article you read what is PCOS, what are its symptoms/causes and how can it be treated. Since PCOS is a hormonal disorder then it will take time to take the whole control. Follow the above treatments and gradually you will be able to manage PCOS.