Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, as well as Treatment

Risk content: PCOS is a condition that affects hormones in women and is becoming common nowadays. It is a condition that causes irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, fertility, and acne. It is considered the most common cause of infertility in women and increases the risk of developing many other health conditions. Women are at high risk of PCOS any time after puberty, and many get diagnosed as early as their 20s and 30s. If you are overweight, you are more prone to developing the condition; also, PCOS does not show any symptoms, and many even do not realize that they have it. Typically the condition may be diagnosed when your periods are irregular or signs of excess androgen like acne or excessive hair growth. It is necessary to see the best gynecologist as they can help you to manage and treat PCOS. They will recommend your treatment based on your polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, your medical history, and many other factors.

Polycystic ovary syndrome – an Overview

Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common reproductive disorders among women of reproductive age. It is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens or male sex hormones that are generally present in women in small amounts. PCOS describes the numerous small cysts that form in the ovaries. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary, and this happens so that it can be fertilized by a male sperm. If in case the egg is not fertilized, it is sent out of the body through menstruation. There are a few cases in which women do not make enough hormones required to ovulate, and when the ovulation cannot happen, the ovaries can develop small cysts. These cysts make hormones known as androgens, and if a woman has PCOS, then they have a higher level of androgens. This high level of androgens is the main culprit and causes more issues with a woman’s menstrual cycle and causes PCOS symptoms.

Exact causes of polycystic ovary syndrome

The exact PCOS meaning still needs to be clarified, but it is noticed that many women with this condition have insulin resistance. It means that their body cannot use insulin well, and this build up in the body and cause higher androgens levels; obesity also contributes to increasing the insulin levels and makes the polycystic ovaries symptoms worse. This condition can also run in families and is common among sisters or mothers and daughters. However, the exact PCOS causes are still unknown, but studies show that genetics plays a vital role in causing this condition. Some common causes are;

• Higher level of androgens

Higher androgen levels does not allow ovaries to release eggs and which causes an irregular menstrual cycle. It can cause small fluid-filled sacs to develop and also causes acne and excessive hair growth in women with PCOS.these are male hormones that are generally present in both men and women, but in women, they are at lower levels.

• Insulin resistance

Higher insulin levels cause ovaries to make and release male hormones known as androgens. This increase in androgens suppresses ovulation and contributes to many other polycystic ovary symptoms. Insulin resistance is a condition in which a body cannot process insulin correctly, which leads to high sugar levels. Obesity contributes to insulin resistance.

• Low-grade inflammation

Women with PCOS have a tendency to have chronic low-grade inflammation. Your gynecologist will recommend a blood test that measures level C reactive protein and WTC, indicating the level of inflammation in your body.

Factors that contribute to increasing your risk of developing PCOS

PCOS is a common diseases, and PCOS treatment can be done by managing its symptoms on time. However, its cause is not fully understood yet, but it is the combination of genetic and environmental factors that disturb it. The condition means that you may have a genetic predisposition, and something environmental triggers it. There are some risk factors for developing the condition, discussed below:

• Genetics

Genetics is a strong cause of developing PCOS as it runs in families. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome often have a sister, mother or aunt who also has it. There are common variations in genes that control androgens etc., and that can be res[omsible for it.

• Lifestyle

PCOS is more often in women who are obese; however, it is not sure as women with normal weight also have the condition. There are lifestyle factors that lead to insulin resistance and may raise your risk of developing the condition. Eating an unhealthy diet and being sedentary are some facts that make you more at risk of developing PCOS symptoms.

PCOS symptoms

You may experience signs of PCOS during your first menstrual period. In some cases, the symptoms develop later after you have periods for a while. Symptoms of PCOS vary from person to person; however, not all women may experience all the below symptoms as it can vary from mild to severe. Some PCOS symptoms are

1. Periods and fertility-related symptoms

• No period
• Irregular periods
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Multiple cysts on ovaries
• Health changes during pregnancy

2. Hair, skin and body symptoms

• Excessive hair growth, especially on the chest, back, face
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair and hair loss
• Acne or oily skin
• Darkened skin patches

3. Mental and emotional health symptoms

• Mood changes
• Depression
• anxiety
• low self-esteem
• poor body image

4. Health-related symptoms

• Sleep apnea
• Increased risk of diabetes
• Onset sexual health challenges
• Risk of heart diseases

You must consult the best gynaecologist if you experience any of the above-listed symptoms or are at high risk of developing the condition.

What if PCOS is left untreated?

PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women, as many discover they have it when they have difficulty in conceiving or getting pregnant. Not only this, PCOS, if left untreated, can increase your chances of developing many other health-related issues in later life. Women with PCOS can develop the below-listed complications with time:

• Type 2 diabetes: It is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to be high.
• Depression: PCOS affects your confidence and self-esteem.
• High BP and high cholesterol– PCOS if left untreated, can lead to high bp and cholesterol levels that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
• Sleep apnea – women who are overweight may likely develop sleep apnea which is a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep.

PCOS diagnosis

PCOS treatment can be started when it is diagnosed on time. When you note any of the PCOS symptoms, you must visit the best gynaecologist in Delhi to discuss them. They will help you to rule out the causes and check other related signs. They will prescribe a number of hormone tests to determine the excess hormone production or another hormone-related condition that leads to PCOS. Doctors might recommend ultrasound scans to determine that you have a high number of follicles in your ovaries. You may also need a blood test done for PCOS to measure the exact hormone levels and also to screen for diabetes or high cholesterol. The diagnosis of PCOS will be made if you have the following:

• Irregular periods of the infrequent period which indicate that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs.
• If your blood test shows, you have high levels of male hormones like testosterone etc.
• If your scan shows that you have polycystic ovaries

If you are diagnosed with PCOS, then you may be treated by your gynaecologist, who is a specialist in treating conditions of the female reproductive system.

PCOS treatment

The primary PCOS treatment revolves around weight loss and starts with a healthy lifestyle. Nutrition advises women with PCOS to a carb-controlled diet and much-needed physical exercise, which are considered the first-line treatment options for PCOS. Even the slightest reduction in weight improves hormonal imbalance. Expert doctors may also prescribe medication to regulate menstrual cycles and encourage ovulation. The condition cannot be cured, but PCOS treatment can be done by managing its symptoms well. Treatment options vary from person to person as somebody with PCOS may experience many symptoms, and some have one. Your gynaecologist will help you to manage the symptoms discussed below:

• Lifestyle changes

The first step to managing polycystic ovary syndrome is to make some lifestyle changes. Women who are overweight are more at risk of developing the condition and long-term health conditions linked with PCOS. A gynaecologist will help you to lose weight effectively as just 5 per cent of weight loss leads to a significant improvement in condition. You must check your healthy weight by calculating your BMI, which is the measurement of weight to your height. Doctors will suggest you to lose weight by exercising and eating a healthy and balanced diet. Your diet must include

• Plenty of fruits and veggies
• Whole foods like wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals and brown rice
• Consume lean meats, fish and chicken.
• Medications

Gynaecologists may also recommend some medications that are available to treat multiple PCOS symptoms. These medications are given for irregular or absent periods. They may give contraceptive pills and which also else to reduce the long-term risk of developing endometrial cancer. They also help to treat fertility problems and unwanted hair growth, and hair loss. Medications are also given to treat many other symptoms associated with PCOS, like weight loss medicine, cholesterol-lowering medications etc.

Why choose Queen’s Gynecology?

Queen’s gynaecology is one the best clinics in Delhi for the treatment of PCOS. It offers a team of experts that includes PCOS experts, gynaecologists, surgeons, reproductive and infertility specialists, nutritionists, and diabetes specialists etc. The clinic recommends the best PCOS treatment plans to correct their menstrual irregularities, hair problems, acne, weight issues, infertility and long-term complications. Their PCOS treatment plan includes the following:

• Weight reduction by lifestyle and dietary changes.
• Acne and hair issues with personalized treatment and laser removal by expert dermatologists.
• Menstrual dysfunction treatment by prescribing hormonal medicines
• Androgen treatment by giving anti-androgens
• Ovulation induction
• Minimal invasive surgery
• Regular follow-up to reduce long-term complications like heart disease, diabetes etc.