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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Know All About It

Written by Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr.Varuni Agarwal

Dr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in
diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Know All About It

PCOS is a hormonal medical disorder that is found among women of childbearing age. Signs and symptoms may include small cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycle, and high levels of male hormones. Symptoms would include excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty in ovulating-which can sometimes lead to infertility. The exact cause is unknown, though it is presumed that factors like insulin resistance, genetics, and low-grade inflammation may be some of the causes. Other long-term health risks associated with PCOS include type 2 diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. 

Control of PCOS may involve regular physical activities, proper nutrition, and sometimes even pharmaceutical interventions that are targeted toward the normalisation of hormonal levels and ovulation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms and reduce complications. In this blog, you will explore the causes, symptoms, and many other reasons for polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Hormone

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Hormone

It is a common hormonal disorder affecting several females during the reproductive period. The basic problem generally related to PCOS is an abnormality in the levels of different hormones, which incorporates increased levels than the standard amount of androgens (male hormone) and insulin resistance. These hormonal imbalances, coupled with the normal development and release of eggs from the ovaries, result in irregular periods, ovarian cysts, difficulty in conceiving, and and many other problems. Many women with this problem present insulin resistance, which further promotes weight gain and predisposes to the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The PCOS cause is still not known, although genetics seem to be the culprit. If your immediate relatives your mother or sister, for example-already, have it, you have a better chance of getting the same disease. Lifestyle can also help degrade conditions because obesity tends to raise symptoms as weight contributes to insulin resistance.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Causes

PCOS is a hormonal condition, and though the definite cause of this is not known, it involves several contributing factors such as:

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  • Insulin Resistance: Most women affected by PCOS have insulin resistance, wherein one's body cannot effectively insulin. This may lead to higher levels of insulin, which, in turn, may lead to the stimulation of the ovaries to overproduce androgens thus interfering with ovulation and giving rise to symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain, and excess hair.
  • Hormonal Imbalance: One of the characteristic features of PCOS is an increase in androgen levels. High levels of androgens are associated with symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and male-pattern baldness. Androgens are responsible for preventing proper development and release of the eggs, hence the fertility issues.
  • Genetic Factor: PCOS runs in families. If your immediate family member, either your mother or sister or any relative, has PCOS, then you are at a higher risk too, indicating it is genetically linked.
  • Low-grade Inflammation: Studies have shown that women who suffer from PCOS may have low-grade inflammation that can activate the ovaries to produce more androgens. This can also lead to cardiovascular problems later.
  • Obesity: This is not a cause, but it increases the degree of insulin resistance and heightens androgen secretion, thereby accentuating the features of PCOS.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Yes, here is the list of the symptoms related to PCOS, put together as human-like and readable as possible.

  • Irregular Period: You feel your menstrual cycle may be unpredictable or completely absent.
  • Heavy Bleeding: When the periods do come, they are abnormally heavy or even for more extended periods.
  • Ovarian Cysts: Small fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries are common, though they may not always show symptoms.
  • Acne: More oil, chronic, or acne-like symptoms on the face, back, and chest. Hirsutism: You will have too much hair on your face, chest, or abdomen.
  • Thinning Hair: You may note thinning hair or hair breaking more easily around the scalp area. 
  • Weight Gain: You could experience unexplained weight gain or have trouble losing that extra fat.
  • Darkened Skin: You might experience skin darkening, mainly around the neck, armpits, or groin area. Fatigue: Sometimes, unusual tiredness or lack of energy to the extent that it upsets your normal life.
  • Infertility: Difficulty getting pregnant may be linked with abnormal ovulation in the case of PCOS. Mood Swings: It consists of highs and lows emotionally; these may include manifestations of depression or anxiety.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Weight Loss

  • Wholesome Diet: Stress more on a diet full of whole foods, especially vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, which should be the primary foods. The emphasis on low-glycemic food helps management of insulin levels, which is particularly important for PCOS patients. 
  • Portion Control: Keeping track of food portions can prevent overeating and help calorie intake in control. Eating on small plates and being aware of portion sizes will help in creating a deficit, which is necessary for weight loss.
  • Hydration: Hydration helps in overall health and is also useful in controlling appetite. Water intake before meals can reduce the aggregate consumption of food. Avoid sweetened beverages and drink water, herbal teas, or seltzer.
  • Sleep: disturbances and a spike in stress levels can exacerbate symptoms of PCOS, which will, in turn, lower the success rate of weight loss. One should maintain proper sleep hygiene and work on stress reduction by being more mindful through meditation or yoga.
  • Professional Advice: A registered dietician or healthcare provider who is an expert on PCOS may need one-on-one counselling to help with an approach toward weight loss. They can most aptly advise and counsel every given case, keeping in mind the peculiar metabolic and hormonal problems associated with PCOS.
  • Weight management: It is multifactorial, involving diet, exercise, and changes in lifestyle. These can be individuated and fine-tuned to achieve better results and overall wellness with professional advice.

Conclusion

PCOS is a hormonal medical disorder that is found among women of childbearing age. Control of PCOS may involve regular physical activities, proper nutrition, and sometimes even pharmaceutical interventions that are targeted toward the normalisation of hormonal levels and ovulation. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term complications, which include irregular periods,  infertility, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms and reduce complications. 

Frequently Asked Question

Q. What are the symptoms of PCOD in females?

PCOD in females signs and symptoms may include small cysts on the ovaries, irregular menstrual cycle, and high levels of male hormones. Symptoms would include excessive hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulty in ovulating-which can sometimes lead to infertility. The exact cause is unknown, though it is presumed that factors like insulin resistance, genetics, and low-grade inflammation may be some of the causes.

Q. What is the cause of PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal condition. Here are some causes:

  • Hormonal Imbalance: One of the characteristic features of PCOS is an increase in androgen levels. High levels of androgens are associated with symptoms such as acne, hirsutism, and male-pattern baldness. Androgens are responsible for preventing proper development and release of the eggs, hence the fertility issues.
  • Genetic Factor: PCOS runs in families. If your immediate family member, either your mother or sister or any relative, has PCOS, then you are at a higher risk too, indicating it is genetically linked.
  • Low-grade Inflammation: Studies have shown that women who suffer from PCOS may have low-grade inflammation that can activate the ovaries to produce more androgens. This can also lead to cardiovascular problems later.
  • Obesity: This is not a cause, but it increases the degree of insulin resistance and heightens androgen secretion, thereby accentuating the features of PCOS.

Q.  Is PCOS curable?

PCOS condition is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Lifestyle, medications, and fertility treatments help. The actual cause is unknown but a family with a history of type 2 diabetes is at risk.

Control of PCOS may involve regular physical activities, proper nutrition, and sometimes even pharmaceutical interventions that are targeted toward the normalisation of hormonal levels and ovulation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent symptoms and reduce complications.