Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that causes metabolism issues and hormonal imbalance in women of childbearing age. The NHS estimates that one in five women in the UK lives with PCOS.
The condition is likely caused by a blend of genetic and environmental factors, and women with a family history of PCOS are likelier to develop the condition than other women. Here is everything you need to know about PCOS.
Causes Of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but many experts think genetics and several other factors affect the onset of PCOS. Some of the common causes of PCOS include:
● High androgen levels – Androgens are typically referred to as the male hormones, although every woman produces them in small amounts. These hormones are responsible for male traits such as facial hair growth and male-pattern baldness. Women with PCOS hive higher androgens than usual, leading to acne and extra hair growth, two telltale PCOS symptoms. In addition, high androgen levels in women can delay or prevent ovulation during each menstrual cycle, affecting fertility.
● High insulin levels – Insulin is an essential hormone that regulates the conversion of the food you consume into energy. Several women with PCOS have insulin resistance, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, don’t exercise regularly, are overweight, and have unhealthy eating habits. Insulin resistance causes your blood glucose levels to become higher than usual because your cells don’t respond well to insulin.
Symptoms of PCOS
Many women with PCOS usually show symptoms in their early twenties, but the condition can affect you at any age. Although symptoms vary from woman to woman, some of the signs to watch out for include:
● Weight gain or obesity
● Hair loss or thinning hair
● Irregular periods or no menstruation at all
● Excessive hair growth on the back, buttocks, face, and chest
● Acne or oily skin
● Enlarged multicystic ovaries
● Difficulty becoming pregnant
Experts recommend contacting your GP if you experienced a combination of these symptoms. However, it isn’t uncommon to be misdiagnosed with many other conditions that can mimic PCOS symptoms, so diagnosis is sometimes a long and challenging process.
PCOS Diagnosis
● Physical exam: Your doctor will measure your body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure and check for acne, facial hair, chest hair, and others.
● Pelvic exam: Your doctor may also conduct a pelvic exam to check for signs of high androgen levels and determine whether you have enlarged ovaries.
● Blood tests to determine your androgen levels, diabetes status, and cholesterol levels.
● Pelvic ultrasound to check your uterus linking and examine your ovaries for cysts.
PCOS Treatment
You can take anti-androgen medication, use hormonal birth control solutions, and undergo Clomid therapy to boost your ovulation chances. In addition, you can lose weight, use hair removal creams, and slow down hair growth with a prescription skin treatment.
PCOS And Fertility
It is possible to conceive naturally after a PCOS diagnosis with medications to treat symptoms and stimulate fertility. Also, you can see a specialist for guidance if you have PCOS and are struggling to conceive naturally, it doesn’t hurt to know more fertility facts.
Additionally, you can visit an IVF clinic if in vitro fertilisation is recommended to boost your chances of getting pregnant.
