PCOS: Almost every woman must’ve heard of this term somewhere or the other. To put it in brief, this is a hormonal condition that affects lots of women of childbearing age. Undoubtedly, PCOS is becoming a lifestyle disorder, and this syndrome is usually associated with common symptoms such as irregular periods, high levels of androgen (male hormones), and the presence of polycystic ovaries.
This hormonal imbalance not only causes physical symptoms but also affects your psychological health too. Well, there is no exact cause of PCOS, and why women are largely getting affected by it, and this syndrome is also a common cause of infertility in women.
An unhealthy healthy lifestyle has paved the way for various health issues like PCOS. There are underlying reasons why you get affected by this syndrome. However, what we know for sure is there is a range of complications if the syndrome is not treated timely. Let’s figure out what are the possible issues you may face or might be facing with PCOS
● Higher levels of testosterone (male hormones) lead to problems like facial hair, acne, and male pattern baldness.
● It can also lead to an irregular menstrual cycle, infertility and obesity.
● Declining mental health (low mood, anxiety, and depression) and other challenging mental issues
● If testosterone levels are high, it can cause high insulin resistance, which is responsible for the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
It may take time to combat the mentioned issues, but it can happen. Because there is always a way to manage symptoms, and you can control them with a balanced lifestyle. Let’s find out what are the symptoms you may notice. You can also use home remedies for menstrual pain to lower your period pain and PCOS symptoms.
Symptoms Of PCOS
All the women have different symptoms so it is always to stay aware of the symptoms for prevention. Not all PCOS women will experience all of the symptoms, and each symptom can range from moderate to severe. Some women just have menstrual issues, while others are unable to conceive, or both. The most prevalent symptoms are:
● Irregular menstrual cycles – The most prevalent symptom of PCOS is infrequent, irregular, or extended menstrual cycles. For example, you could have less than nine periods per year, more than 35 days between periods, or very heavy periods.
● Excessive androgen – High levels of male hormones can cause physical symptoms such as excess face and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
● Polycystic ovaries – Swollen ovaries that contain follicles that enclose the eggs. As a result, when the ovaries swell up, they may cease to function on a regular basis.
● Acne – It is one of the common side effects of PCOS, especially on the back, chest, and face. Sometimes acne remains a bit longer than your adolescent age and it can become hard to manage.
● Obesity – Around 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese, and they struggle to lose weight.
● Skin Darkening – Patches of dark skin, particularly in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin (between the legs), and under the breasts. This condition is specifically known as Acanthosis nigricans.
● Hair thinning – People with PCOS may experience hair loss in areas or even go bald. Some women can also notice Male pattern baldness.
● Infertility – PCOS, is the most prevalent cause of female infertility. A decrease in ovulation frequency or a complete lack of ovulation is the most common cause of infertility.
If you want to try something new for managing PCOS symptoms then you can add a multivitamin for women. You can include some nutritional value with That Time Of The Month Gummies by Power Gummies, these tasty gummies will help you to lower your PCOS symptoms.
Diagnosis and Tests
For diagnosing PCOS, healthcare providers usually examine through two common tests: Blood Tests and Ultrasound. These tests are performed to diagnose levels of androgens present in the blood (hyperandrogenism). The Ultrasound helps in detecting polycystic ovaries and identifying the size of the ovaries. Before diagnosing PCOS, it is important to find out the signs and symptoms of PCOS because it can be similar to other conditions.
Not all tests are required for all women; testing will be recommended according to your specific symptoms. Here’s how your doctor can assist you in detecting PCOS once you’ve identified the problem.
● Hormonal Blood Test – Blood tests are used to determine your body’s androgen levels. The best tests for determining whether you have hyperandrogenism are testosterone and free androgen index (FAI) blood testing (high androgen levels). Hormonal blood tests help in counting the levels of –
○ SHBG(sex hormone-binding globulin)
○ DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate)
○ Androstenedione
○ TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
○ Oestradiol (estrogen, the main female sex hormone)
● Ultrasound – An ultrasound is used to see an image of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvis. The scan displays whether your ovaries have any ‘cysts’ (partially formed eggs) or if an ovary is larger. It’s also a good idea to check the endometrium (womb lining), which might thicken if periods are irregular, which can increase the risk factor for womb cancer.
If you have a PCOS then you need to have this test, your healthcare provider will identify your problem and perform the tests.
Lifestyle
You can manage your peace with PCOS symptoms for a long period if you make some lifestyle modifications.
● Exercise – It has been shown to help with polycystic ovary syndrome. It not only helps in losing weight but also has the potential to lower testosterone levels in the blood. It will also benefit your emotional well-being.
● A Well-Balanced Diet – Insulin resistance is common in women with PCOS. When your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, this is what happens. Your pancreas pumps out insulin in order to help your body to use glucose for energy, and it also aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels.
● Manage your stress levels – PCOS and its symptoms can be extremely distressing. Reduced stress can help you manage symptoms and make it easier to make healthier lifestyle choices in general.
● Maintain a healthy weight – Many women with PCOS find that losing weight and regulating their food helps them manage their symptoms. It also helps in reducing their risk of getting the additional chronic illnesses that PCOS puts them at risk for. Ovulation is also improved when you lose weight.
Managing PCOS is not an easy task but you can do that if you are willing to replace your unhealthy habits with a healthy lifestyle, it can surely help you in reducing them.