Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Among the many health problems that women today face, polycystic ovarian disease or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a major worry, especially for those who cannot still conceive. It is a lifestyle disease in which the ovary becomes enlarged and has small cysts developing. Women must remain abreast of the symptoms and causes of this hormonal disorder because it is an ailment that one can avoid.

Polycystic Ovarian Disease or Syndrome is a hormonal disorder causing prolonged or irregular menstrual cycles and high levels of male hormones. Here, the ovaries grow several small fluid-filled follicles but do not release eggs regularly.

Women experience this condition during their child-bearing years (15 to 44). Though its exact cause is unknown, early diagnosis, timely treatment, and weight loss can reduce long-term complications, including type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Causes of PCOS

Factors causing PCOS are:

Heredity

According to research, PCOS is congenital.

Excess insulin

The pancreas produces insulin, the hormone that lets cells use sugar for energy. If your cells resist insulin’s action, blood sugar levels rise, and the body perforce produces excessive insulin. This effect causes the body to produce more androgen, which interferes with regular ovulation.

Excess Androgen

Acne and unnatural facial hair appear when the ovaries release excessive amounts of androgen.

Inflammation

When white blood cells create chemicals to fight infection, inflammation ensues. A low level of inflammation in women encourages polycystic ovaries to produce androgens, causing problems with the blood vessels and heart.

Symptoms of PCOS

Usually, women see PCOS symptoms during their first period. When they gain weight, this becomes apparent to others as PCOS. Its symptoms are:

Irregular Periods

Women suffering from PCOS do not ovulate. The effect of PCOS on a woman’s ovaries causes her not to ovulate. Therefore, the uterine lining cannot shed cells each month. Often, PCOS sufferers barely menstruate eight times a year or none.

Acne

Male hormones can cause women to have an oily complexion. They may also have acne breakouts on their chests, faces, and upper backs.

Heavy Bleeding

Here, the uterine wall builds up for a more extended period than usual. So, you experience heavier periods than others.

Weight Gain

About 80% of PCOS patients are obese. Since male hormones trigger their weight gain, it generally shows in the stomach. That’s where men’s overweight resides, so women have large waists and abdomens.

Behavioral Change

PCOS patients suffer from low self-esteem, depression and poor body image.

Hair Growth

Women diagnosed with this problem have hair growth on their faces and bodies, generally on their backs, stomachs, and chests. This condition, experienced by over 70% of PCOS patients, is called hirsutism.

Baldness

Women portray baldness just like men with scalp hair thinning.

Skin Darkening

Also called Acanthosis Nigricans, the skin darkens and develops dark and smooth patches. You can see them on the face, neck, underarms, and inner thighs. These patches develop due to the effect of androgen on the sweat glands in the skin.

Headaches

Headaches are brought on by the hormonal changes brought on by PCOS.

Treatments for PCOS

Lifestyle changes

Weight loss, moderate exercise, and limiting carbs are the ways to get over PCOS and lead an everyday life. Being active is important, so exercising regularly will go a long way.