A hormonal disorder known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, can develop while a woman is fertile. It may impede your ability to conceive. Your periods may also cease or become unpredictable as a result. The high testosterone levels are characterized by acne, unwanted body hair, facial hair (hirsutism) as well as acne. PCOS predisposes you to other health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Treatments are available for the symptoms. And even though you might need to take fertility medications, conception progressively becomes highly possible. Get professional help from a Gynecologist in Bahria Town Rawalpindi for a keen evaluation of your condition before the associated metabolic diseases get to you!
WHAT IS PCOS?
PCOS is a condition caused by cysts in ovaries as implied by the name. However, some studies regard it as a misnomer as not all patients bear cysts in their ovaries. Existent cysts appear as black dots on the ovaries on ultrasound and are actually eggs that have failed to attain maturity.
PCOS is a prevalent condition that affects 8-13% of women between the ages of 15 and 44, yet it is rarely discussed. It is commonest among women of Asian and African descent.
PCOS AND HORMONES – WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
Your reproductive hormonal balance is disrupted in PCOS. This may result in ovaries-related issues, such as irregular or absent menstrual cycles.
Your body produces hormones that mediate many bodily processes and metabolism. Some have an impact on your menstrual cycle and are connected to your capacity to conceive. The following hormones are involved in PCOS – androgens/testosterone, insulin, and progesterone.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PCOS
PCOS becomes clinically evident usually in your late teens or early 20s. They may consist of:
- Irregular periods
- Reduced fertility due to disturbed ovulation
- Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) typically on the face, chest, back, or buttocks
- Weight gain especially around the waist
- Hair loss and thinning on the head due to acne or greasy skin
- Acne
- Discoloured skin folds such as the nape of the neck or armpits
- Mood swings
- Pelvic pain
TREATING PCOS
PCOS carries a symptomatic treatment. Some symptoms of PCOS may improve if you lose weight and take upon a balanced diet. In general, leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well, exercising frequently, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and managing diabetes and other medical disorders should increase your chances of getting pregnant. Additionally, some medications can be used to treat symptoms including excessive hair growth, irregular periods, and infertility issues.
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), a straightforward surgical technique, may be advised if reproductive medications are ineffective. This entails destroying the tissue in the ovaries that produce androgens like testosterone using heat or a laser. Most PCOS sufferers can embrace pregnancy with the right therapy.
If you take birth control for PCOS, you cannot become pregnant. But if you require assistance ovulating in order to conceive, these medications may be helpful – Clomiphene citrate (an anti-estrogen drug to induce ovulation).
You might be given the diabetes medication metformin if clomiphene is ineffective in promoting ovulation. A large number of PCOS sufferers also have insulin resistance. When this happens, your body does not utilize insulin as it ought to thereby lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which are otherwise maintained by insulin. Metformin comes to the rescue in such cases as well to avert or atleast deter the onset of Type II Diabetes Mellitus. Your doctor could advise consuming foods lower in carbohydrates. Carbs like fruits and vegetables are healthy as opposed to those that are present in processed foods, white flour, rice, potatoes, and sugar. Your blood sugar levels can also be influenced by eating other nutritious meals like fish, whole grains, chicken, and other lean meats.
Your doctor may recommend a medicine containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) if clomiphene and metformin are ineffective (LH). You receive a shot of this medication.
If you believe you have the illness, consult a doctor. A Gynecologist in Johar Town Lahore is a good consultation option in need.
