There exists nowadays a very common syndrome among the women by the name of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). However, most of the women don’t know about it until they are diagnosed. At times, it can be harmful to the health of women since the women are unaware of its symptoms.
The symptoms of PCOS can affect your daily activities because you don’t feel well physically and emotionally.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone level.
PCOS is not a disease, it’s a syndrome which means the group of symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation.
Women with PCOS produce a higher than normal amount of male hormone (androgen). Many women have PCOS but they don’t know, in one study, up to 70% of women with PCOS hadn’t been diagnosed.
PCOS affects a woman’s ovaries, the reproductive organ that produces estrogen & progesterone hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
During any menstrual cycle, there will be the secretion of FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) & LH (Luteinizing hormone)
FSH stimulates the ovarian follicle, causing an egg to grow.
The shift to LH causes the egg to release from the ovary, a process called ovulation. For the first 14 days more action of FSH and the next 14 days there will be LH.
Under the influence of FSH & LH, the ovary releases estrogen & progesterone (estrogen & progesterone help to regulate a women’s menstrual cycle and play an important role in pregnancy).
1) In PCOS, there will be various hormonal imbalances which leads to infertility.
2) 80% of patients with PCOS have metabolic syndrome which is associated with insulin resistance, high blood sugar. High blood pressure hypercholesterolemia
3) Increase risk of endometrial cancer.
Symptoms of PCOs:
1) Weight gain. 80% would have obesity.
2) Increase growth of hair on face, abdomen, acne.
3) Menstrual irregularities/ skipped periods
4) Cysts in the ovaries
5) High level of male hormones
Diagnostic method:
1)bPelvic exam
2) Irregular periods
3) Blood test for hormones androgen level.
4) Ultrasound pelvic. Cysts in ovaries
Treatment:
Birth control pills. These help to control menstrual cycles, lower androgen levels, and reduce acne.
Birth control is the most common PCOS treatment for women who don’t want to get pregnant.
Tab metformin reduces insulin resistance and sugar.
The aim of treatment in women who desire to conceive is to normalize ovarian function and stimulate follicular growth (e.g Clomiphene)
Management:
Tips for a healthy diet:
To lose weight decrease the intake of calories
Increase intake of vegetables, pulses, Protein.
High salt and high sugar should be avoided.
