How gynecologist specialists help women dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

Hormone levels in women might be affected by a disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have elevated levels of masculine hormones. Because of this hormonal imbalance, menstrual periods are skipped, and conception is more difficult. Hair growth on the body and face, as well as baldness, are other symptoms of PCOS. Furthermore, it may exacerbate pre-existing conditions including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hormone imbalance and PCOS symptoms can be treated with birth control tablets and diabetic medications (which target insulin resistance).

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PCOS

Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) typically emerge around the onset of menstruation for the first time in adolescence. In some cases, PCOS doesn’t show up until much later in life, sometimes as a result of a significant weight increase. The symptoms and signs of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can range widely. It’s possible that your follicles, which surround the eggs in your ovaries, have grown in size. This may cause irregular ovarian function. The most prevalent symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis is menstrual cycle irregularity or delay. Infrequent periods (fewer than nine per year), long intervals (more than 35 days), or heavy periods are all examples. Signs of high levels of androgens (male hormones) include hair growth in unwanted places (hirsutism), acne, and even baldness in men.

 

MAJOR CAUSES OF PCOS 

It’s hard to directly link a cause to PCOS problem symptoms as there aren’t easy answers to why it can be triggered. To fight off infection, white blood cells produce a chemical known as low-grade inflammation. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by a sort of low-grade inflammation that causes polycystic ovaries to manufacture androgens, which can aggravate the cardiovascular disease. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, facilitates sugar’s uptake by cells for use as fuel. Blood sugar levels rise and insulin production may increase if cells develop resistance to insulin’s effects. Ovulation problems may arise from an increase in testosterone production, which could be triggered by insulin overload. You have to be on the lookout for PCOS symptoms to diagnose earlier. 

 

WHEN TO CHECK WITH A DOCTOR 

 

Infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or a worsening of hirsutism, acne, or male-pattern baldness are examples of conditions that need a visit to the doctor. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history as well as your present symptoms. A physical examination is the next step that needs to be taken. There will almost certainly be a focus on the pelvic region throughout this examination. This test examines both the inside and the outside of your reproductive system to determine its overall health. Consecutively, they can also conduct ultrasounds. It generates images of blood arteries, tissues, and organs using sound waves and a computer. This procedure evaluates the ovarian size and the presence of cysts. Additionally, the test can measure the uterine lining thickness (endometrium). 

 

HOW TO TREAT PCOS DIAGNOSIS

 

Multiple aspects must be considered while deciding how to treat PCOS diagnosis. Possible factors include how old you are, how serious your complaints are, and how healthy you currently are. Whether or not you plan to have children in the future may also affect the course of treatment you get. 

 

·         Your symptoms may improve if you lose weight by eating better and exercising more. They may also aid ovulation, reduce blood sugar, and improve insulin sensitivity.

·         Insulin resistance in PCOS problem symptoms can be treated with diabetes medication. It might also assist you through ovulation more consistently, reduce your androgen levels, and limit your hair development.

·         Medication can aid regular egg release from the ovaries. There are potential downsides to these drugs as well. In some cases, they can raise the odds of having twins or more (twins or more). Also, they can trigger overactive ovaries. When this happens, the ovaries produce an excess of hormones.

·         Pills, patches, needles, a ring, or a device that is implanted inside the uterus are all examples of effective ways of birth control (IUD). The use of hormonal birth control helps to regulate periods, which in turn helps reduce acne and the growth of hair in undesired places.

 

LIVING WITH PCOS 

 

It is possible to conceive while dealing with a PCOS diagnosis. Having PCOS  makes it more challenging to conceive and increases the risk of certain pregnancy problems. Your doctor will help you come up with a treatment plan that will increase your chances of ovulating. Medication or IVF (in vitro fertilization, etc.) may be part of your treatment plan. 

Losing weight with good food and regular exercise is one of the greatest strategies to manage PCOS. Losing weight, even a small amount, can influence your hormone levels, which in turn can help manage your menstrual period and alleviate some of the symptoms.

Insulin resistance, that is thought to play a critical role in the onset and maintenance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is exacerbated by being overweight or obese. Both of the hormones that contribute to PCOS symptoms are elevated in people who are overweight or obese. 

The great news is that PCOS can be treated and symptoms can be improved by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating nutritious food and engaging in regular physical activity.

 

THE TAKEAWAY 

See a doctor immediately if you think you might have PCOS. You may be sent to a gynecologist or endocrinologist (an expert in hormones) for additional testing and treatment. The signs of PCOS problem symptoms can be managed, and the potential long-term health consequences of PCOS can be lessened, with an early diagnosis. It is not the kind of disease that has any cure but you can work on treating it and keeping it under control. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, finding the right medication that works, and going through monthly checkups are integral to keeping your PCOS under control. Other than that, it is important to know that PCOS doesn’t mean the end of the world, there are countless women who are living fulfilling lives in spite of having the disease.