What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of childbearing age. In PCOS, the ovaries produce more androgens (male hormones) than usual. This imbalance can lead to various symptoms. If you have PCOS you may have difficulty in ovulating and there may also be increased resistance to the insulin produced in your body. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it involves a combination of traits in your genes and environmental factors.
2. How do I know if I have PCOS?
Symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person. If you have PCOS, you may have some of these symptoms or conditions.:
Irregular periods: This is one of the most common signs. You may have fewer periods than usual, no periods, or periods that come too often.
Excess hair growth: You might notice more hair on your face, chin, or other parts of your body
Acne: PCOS can cause breakouts, especially on the face, chest, and upper back.
Weight gain: You may have problems managing your weight.
Thinning hair: The hair on your scalp may thin out.
Darkening of the skin: Dark patches can form in body creases like those on the neck, groin, or under the breasts.
Difficulty getting pregnant: PCOS is a common cause of infertility.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to visit your gynaecologist who will perform a physical exam, blood tests to check hormone levels, and an ultrasound to look at your ovaries.
3. How is PCOS managed?
While there is no cure for PCOS, the symptoms can be managed in several ways:
Lifestyle changes: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms. Weight loss alone can improve the function of your ovaries.
Medications: Hormonal pills can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce androgen levels, and clear acne. Other medications, can improve insulin resistance and regulate periods. Fertility treatments may be necessary if you are trying to get pregnant.
Hair removal treatment: Excess hair growth can be managed with medications, hair removal creams and other mechanical methods.
Acne treatments: Your doctor may recommend some creams or drugs to manage acne.
4. Are there any long-term complications of PCOS?
PCOS can lead to several long-term health issues, these include:
Type 2 diabetes: If you have PCOS , you are at higher risk of developing diabetes due to insulin resistance.
High blood pressure and cholesterol: These increase the risk of heart disease.
Sleep apnea: Your breathing may stop and start during sleep, if you have PCOS.
Endometrial cancer: Irregular periods can lead to thickening of the lining of your womb, which increases the risk of cancer.
Mental health issues: You may have challenges with anxiety and depression if you have PCOS.
Implementing lifestyle changes and regular follow-up help to delay, prevent or diagnose these conditions early enough.
Take-home message
It’s important to work with your gynaecologist to monitor and manage these potential complications. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and appropriate treatments can help you live a healthy life with PCOS.
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