Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms and Causes
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition that affects one out of every ten women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS have hormonal imbalances and metabolism issues, which can impact their overall health and appearance. Infertility caused by PCOS is also a common and treatable cause. As a result, it is critical to be aware of important information, such as the symptoms and causes of infertility. Contact Parvathi Hospital if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below. They are equipped with the best gynecologists in Hyderabad.
What is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic disorder that causes hormonal imbalances in women during their reproductive years (between ages 12 and 51). As a result, women may skip menstrual periods, have irregular ovulation making it challenging to get pregnant and experience abnormal hair growth on the face and body, leading to heart disease and diabetes in the long run. PCOS is a severe medical condition that necessitates immediate medical attention or surgical treatment.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms can occur in a variety of ways. Some women will experience only a few or mild symptoms, while others will encounter several severe symptoms. In addition, some women experience these symptoms around the time they get their first period.
Others discover they have PCOS after gaining a lot of weight or having difficulty getting pregnant. Symptoms can also change throughout a woman’s life.
- Irregular periods – Women with PCOS may experience missed periods or have fewer periods (fewer than eight in a year). Alternatively, their periods may occur every 21 days or more frequently.
- Heavy bleeding – Because the uterine lining accumulates for a more extended period, your periods may be heavier than usual.
- Hair growth – Too much hair on the face, chin, or body parts where men usually have hair. This symptom affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.
- Acne – Male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and cause breakouts in areas like the face, chest, and upper back.
- Weight gain – Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity and have difficulty losing weight.
- Male pattern baldness – Hair on the scalp gets thinner and may fall out.
- Skin darkening – Dark patches of skin start appearing in body creases like those around the neck, under the breasts, and in the groin.
- Headaches – Hormone changes can trigger random headaches in some women.
Causes of PCOS
gynecologist Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PCOS. The exact cause of PCOS is still unknown, but they believe that high levels of male hormones interfere with the ovaries’ ability to produce hormones and produce eggs typically. In addition, excess androgen production has been linked to insulin resistance, genes, and inflammation.
Excess androgen production:
Androgens, the male hormones, are found in men and women but at much lower levels in women. Androgens are produced in small amounts by all women in body tissues, including the ovaries and adrenal glands. Increased androgen levels in PCOS women cause symptoms such as excessive body hair growth, scalp hair loss, and acne. They also contribute to symptoms like irregular periods and ovulation.
Insulin resistance:
Insulin resistance affects up to 70% of women with PCOS, which means their cells can’t properly use insulin. When cells cannot properly use insulin, the body’s demand for insulin rises. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. Extra insulin stimulates the ovaries to make more male hormones. Obesity is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Obesity and insulin resistance can both increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation:
This term refers to the production of anti-infective substances by white blood cells. According to research, women with PCOS have a type of low-grade inflammation that stimulates polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.
Genetics:
PCOS is sometimes inherited. If any of your relatives, such as your sister, mother, or aunt, have PCOS, your chances of developing it are often increased. This suggests that PCOS may have a genetic component, though specific genes linked to the condition have yet to be identified.
Quality of lifestyle:
PCOS can affect both thin and overweight women. On the other hand, women with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese. Being overweight worsens insulin resistance, which is thought to play a role in developing PCOS and its symptoms. In addition, excess weight raises both hormones that cause PCOS symptoms.
The good news is that a healthy lifestyle consisting of nutritious foods and physical activity can aid in treating PCOS and alleviate its symptoms. There is help available to assist you in making lifestyle changes that will benefit your overall health, including many PCOS symptoms.
Consult Parvathi Hospital for the Best Gynecology Treatments
If you suspect you have PCOS, you should consult a gynecologist and get your all test done. An early diagnosis can help manage PCOS symptoms and reduce the potential long-term health risks associated with PCOS and PCOD. Contact Parvathi Hospitals immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. They are the best gynecology hospital in Hyderabad.
FAQs
1. What does PCOS do to a woman’s body?
PCOS can result in missed or irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain. Women with PCOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and endometrial cancer.
2. Can I get pregnant with PCOS?
You certainly can. PCOS does not stop you from becoming pregnant. PCOS is one of the most common but treatable causes of female infertility.
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