What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jul 05, 2020 • 2 min Read
Irregular menstruation, excess body hair (like on the upper lip and chin), acne and weight gain, male-pattern baldness, darkening of the skin, and headaches — these are some of the signs of polycystic ovary syndrome, or commonly referred as PCOS. According to the PCOS Awareness Association, as high as 10 million women in the world suffer from it.
PCOS, according to Healthline, is a problem with hormones that affect women during their reproductive or childbearing years (ages 15 to 44). It involves cysts in the ovaries, high levels of male hormones, and irregular periods. Many women have PCOS but don’t know it.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe it stems from factors such as genes, insulin resistance, and higher levels of inflammation in the body.
Hormone imbalances can affect a woman’s health in many ways. PCOS can increase the risk of infertility, cancer, depression, etc. PCOS can make it harder to get pregnant, and it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications and miscarriage.
Doctors diagnose PCOS if women have at least two of three main symptoms — high androgen levels, irregular periods, and cysts in the ovaries. A pelvic exam, blood tests, and ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for PCOS usually starts with lifestyle changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight if you’re overweight can help improve your symptoms. Diet and aerobic exercise are two effective ways to lose weight. These can also improve the odds of having a healthy pregnancy.
Medicines are also an option. Birth control pills can help bring back a normal menstrual cycle and treat PCOS symptoms.
If you’ve skipped periods or you have other PCOS symptoms, see a doctor. PCOS can contribute to long-term health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Keep in mind that your doctor is in the best position to prescribe the right kind of treatment for your condition.
If you find out that you have PCOS, it is not the end of the world. With the proper guidance of your doctor, you can still get pregnant and live a normal life. Stay healthy!
