PCOS: What It Means and How to Cope?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that arises when there is an imbalance of hormones in a woman’s body during her prime reproductive years. Women with PCOS typically have irregular or excessively longer periods due to this hormonal imbalance, which happens due to higher levels of androgen, a male hormone. This leads to a failure in regular release of eggs which causes the development of cysts or fluid collections on the ovaries. So often, we hear women say that they have PCOS but don’t fully understand what PCOS means and what are its symptoms. Today, PCOS is a common condition that women across the world suffer from. Hence, it is important to be informed about it and know ways in which you can prevent it. Read on to understand more about the polycystic ovarian syndrome.
PCOS: A Better Understanding
PCOS is a condition that affects women during their years of childbearing i.e., it is common in the age group of 15 to 44 years. PCOS and pregnancy are connected as the condition disrupts the normal functioning of the ovaries and causes complications when trying to conceive. To understand how PCOS affects your reproductive organs, you first need to know the function of your ovaries. Ovaries are responsible for producing estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the functions of the menstrual cycle. During this process, it is also normal for the body to produce small amounts of male hormones known as androgens. When the amount of androgens increases more than the natural levels, it affects the ovaries and the overall function of ovulation. This dysfunction is called PCOS.
Characteristics of PCOS
PCOS can be characterized by 3 main elements:
Irregular menstrual cycle
The normal process of ovulation is disturbed due to the irregular release of eggs. This, in turn, affects the menstrual cycle.Excess androgen
High levels of androgen lead to a change in physical features such as the growth of excessive body hair and facial hair.Polycystic ovaries
The ovaries enlarge and form fluid-filled sacs known as follicles around the eggs.Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
The symptoms of PCOS become apparent in most women in their early 20s. Some girls also experience these signs in their late teenage years. It is advised to look out for these symptoms and report them to your doctor:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Heavy bleeding as the uterus lining builds for a longer time
Excessive hair on the body, back, face, and chest
Difficulty in conception
Sudden weight gain
Acne on the face and body
Frequent headaches
Skin darkening around the neck, under the breasts, and in the groin
Skin tags around the neck and in the armpits
Causes of PCOS
Despite research development in this condition, medical professionals have still not been able to zero in on the exact cause of polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, here are a few factors that are believed to trigger this condition:
Genetics
Some studies show that PCOS can run in the family. One or more genes come together as contributors to the condition. It is possible to have PCOS if your mother or sister has/had it.Inflammation
An increased level of inflammation in the body is regarded to cause PCOS. Inflammation happens when your body activates your immune system and sends out inflammatory cells that attack bacteria or heal damaged tissue. Women with the condition are often found to have an increased level of inflammation.Being overweight
Excessive body weight can lead to a spike in the insulin levels. This, in turn, can cause disruption of the hormonal balance.Improper use of insulin
Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps in utilising the sugar from food for energy. However, sometimes some cells cannot use this insulin correctly. This results in the body thinking it needs to produce more insulin, and more insulin production triggers the ovaries to produce excessive male hormones.
Some studies show that PCOS can run in the family. It is possible to have PCOS if your mother or sister has/had it.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment
Unfortunately, PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome cannot be cured. However, effective treatment can help you in coping with PCOS and leading a healthy life. Your doctor can help with setting your queries straight and chart out an effective treatment plan. Such a treatment plan will include lifestyle changes and PCOS medication. These steps aid in controlling symptoms such as excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and weight gain. Some lifestyle changes that can be implemented are:
- With PCOS, weight loss need not be the goal. One must aim at staying at a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet.
- Reduce the intake of sugars and carbohydrates.
- Increase intake of dietary fibre by eating foods such as beans, lentils, berries, broccoli and nuts.
- Exercising regularly will help combat obesity and decrease insulin resistance by burning calories.
In case of extreme effects on fertility, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling. It is a surgical treatment that women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergo to trigger ovulation. Electrocautery or a laser is used to destroy parts of the ovaries. Advanced polycystic ovary syndrome treatment effectively enables women to lead a healthy life.
PCOS affects menstruation in a huge way with irregular periods and heavy bleeding. One of the ways in which you can combat this is by staying prepared at all times. Always have a pack of your favourite ALWAYS sanitary pads with you. Try the ALWAYS Maxi Thick Pads to manage the heavy flow. It is designed with an innovative extra-absorbent core, so that you can stay protected for hours at a stretch. Its comfortable flexi pillow and dry top sheet ensures you have upto 100% comfortable protection.
You can also explore a range of Always feminine hygiene products like panty liners and tampons to help you through your tough days.
To conclude
For PCOS treatment, it is important to implement healthy lifestyle changes. Following a healthy diet, along with exercising, is found to have a very positive effect in preventing PCOS. Focus on maintaining you weight as per your BMI (Body Mass index) instead of blindly trying to just lose weight. The right combination of a healthy diet and exercise goes a long way in managing the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome. Consult with your doctor who can rightly guide you and also provide you with a healthy diet plan.
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FAQS
1. How do I cope with PCOS?
Some effective ways to cope with PCOS are getting sound medical advice, adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food and exercising regularly. It is also advised that you quit smoking (if you do smoke), and talk to other women who have similar issues for mental ease.
2. What is the main cause of PCOS?
The main cause of PCOS is not known but there are several factors that come into play such as genetics, obesity and insulin resistance.
3. What happens if you have PCOS
PCOS is a condition when there is a hormonal imbalance in your body. When you have PCOS, you may have infertility, high levels of androgens which leads to excessive hair growth, missed or irregular menstrual periods, acne, and weight gain.
