Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

A hormonal disorder affecting women's reproductive health.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): What It Is, How It Affects Women, and How to Manage It

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an imbalance of female and male hormones, which can cause problems with ovulation, menstruation, fertility, and appearance. PCOS can also increase the risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. In this article, we will explain what PCOS is, how it affects women, and how to manage it.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a condition that affects the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs and hormones in women. Normally, the ovaries release one egg each month, which travels through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where it can be fertilised by a sperm. This process is regulated by hormones, such as oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens.

In PCOS, the ovaries produce too much androgen, a type of male hormone that can interfere with ovulation. As a result, the ovaries may not release an egg regularly, or may not release an egg at all. This can cause irregular or absent periods, and difficulty getting pregnant.

In addition, the ovaries may develop many small cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs. These cysts can be seen on an ultrasound scan, and they give the condition its name: polycystic means “many cysts”. However, not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries, and not all women with cysts on their ovaries have PCOS.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is likely to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. PCOS tends to run in families, and it may be influenced by lifestyle factors, such as diet, weight, and stress.

How does PCOS affect women?

PCOS can affect women in different ways, depending on the severity of the hormonal imbalance, the presence of other health conditions, and the individual response to treatment. Some of the common signs and symptoms of PCOS are:

  • Irregular or absent periods: Women with PCOS may have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods, or no periods at all. This can make it hard to predict when ovulation occurs and to plan for pregnancy or contraception.

  • Infertility: Women with PCOS may have trouble getting pregnant because they do not ovulate regularly or at all. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, affecting up to 10% of women of reproductive age.

  • Excess hair growth: Women with PCOS may have more hair growth on their face, chest, back, or abdomen, due to the high levels of androgen. This condition is called hirsutism, and it affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.

  • Acne: Women with PCOS may have more acne on their face, chest, or back, due to the high levels of androgen. This can cause inflammation, infection, and scarring of the skin.

  • Weight gain: Women with PCOS may have more difficulty losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, due to hormonal imbalance, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose, the main source of energy.

    Insulin resistance means that the body does not respond well to insulin, and needs more of it to keep the blood sugar levels normal. This can lead to weight gain, especially around the waist, and increase the risk of diabetes.
  • Mood changes: Women with PCOS may experience mood swings, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, due to hormonal imbalance, physical symptoms, or social stigma. PCOS can affect the mental health and well-being of women, and impair their quality of life.

How to manage PCOS?

There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be managed with various treatments and lifestyle changes. The goals of treatment are to restore hormonal balance, regulate the menstrual cycle, improve fertility, reduce symptoms, and prevent the complications. The treatment options may include:

  • Hormonal birth control: Taking pills, patches, rings, or injections that contain oestrogen and progestin can help regulate periods, lower androgen levels, reduce hair growth, and clear acne. Hormonal birth control can also prevent pregnancy and protect the endometrium from cancer.

    However, hormonal birth control may have some side effects and risks, such as blood clots, stroke, or breast cancer, and it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, hormonal birth control should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

  • Metformin: Taking a medication that lowers blood sugar and insulin levels can help improve ovulation, regulate periods, and reduce weight gain. Metformin is usually used to treat diabetes, but it can also help women with PCOS who have insulin resistance. However, metformin may have some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, or lactic acidosis, and it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, metformin should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

  • Clomiphene: Taking a medication that stimulates the ovaries to release eggs can help improve fertility. Clomiphene is usually used to treat infertility, but it can also help women with PCOS who want to get pregnant. However, clomiphene may have some side effects, such as hot flashes, mood changes, or multiple pregnancies, and it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, clomiphene should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

  • Lifestyle changes: Adopting healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, managing stress, and quitting smoking, can help improve the hormonal balance, reduce the symptoms, and prevent complications. Lifestyle changes can also enhance the effectiveness of other treatments, and improve the overall health and well-being of women with PCOS.

Conclusion

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It is characterised by an imbalance of female and male hormones, which can cause problems with ovulation, menstruation, fertility, and appearance. PCOS can also increase the risk of developing other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

PCOS can be managed with various treatments and lifestyle changes, depending on the individual needs and preferences of each woman. PCOS can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for women to take charge of their health and well-being.

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