Get to Know Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Recently, PCOS has received quite a lot of attention, especially for women. Based on WHO data, more than 116 million women (3.4%) experience Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This disease is a condition that affects the hormones of women of childbearing age in which the ovaries produce abnormal amounts of androgens. It should be noted that androgens are male sex hormones that are relatively small in women.

PCOS is described by the many small cysts forming in the ovaries. Women with PCOS have irregular menstrual cycles due to high androgen levels. Genetics, obesity, lifestyle, and neuroendocrine are its risk factors. Is this a dangerous disease? Let's discuss it more fully in this article, Ladies.

SymptomsSigns and symptoms of PCOS will appear in late adolescence or during the first menstruation. The most common symptom is an irregular menstrual cycle. Women with PCOS may experience earlier or longer periods than usual for one period or even no periods for several months.

Because this disease interferes with the function of the ovaries, it is likely to be difficult to get pregnant. Women with PCOS will also experience excessive hair growth on the face, chest, back, or buttocks. This is known as hirsutism.

Other symptoms are unwanted weight gain, especially in the abdomen, hair loss, thinning hair, oily skin, acne, and skin tags (small growths of flesh on the surface of the neck or armpits).

One of the signs of PCOS is irregular menstrual cycles.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is not known for sure, but several factors may play a role. The first is genetics in some women who are dominant in the PCOS phenotype. There are also environmental factors such as physical activity, lifestyle, and diet. Exposure to disruptive chemicals and glycotoxins contributes to genetic variation and reproductive system disorders.

Next is insulin resistance; when the amount is too much, the body will also make more male androgen hormones. Androgen hormones that are too high will interfere with the ovulation process, which causes the eggs not to develop regularly and separate from the follicle. Last is low-level inflammation (inflammation). Long-term, low-grade inflammation causes polycyclic ovaries in women to produce androgens.

The exact cause is unknown.

Treatment

There is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms can be managed. Drug therapy combined with lifestyle changes is recommended. Women with PCOS and obesity should lose weight, be physically active, and adopt a balanced nutritional diet. This activity will make insulin performance more efficient and help women to ovulate. Medications are available to treat symptoms such as hirsutism and acne.

Combine a healthy lifestyle and drug therapy

Complications

Generally, women with PCOS may be at risk for experiencing certain health problems, especially those related to fertility (the ability of a woman to get pregnant). Other complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, uterine cancer, inflammation of the liver, and metabolic syndrome may occur.

Stress management is very important to maintain. Some women may experience mental pressure when they find a physical change in their body because the senses of sight can perceive this. Therefore, cosmetic treatments can relieve stress and make you feel better about your appearance.

Diabetes is one of the complications of PCOS.

Those are some things you need to know about Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). If you are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne, or weight gain, check with your doctor immediately to get the proper treatment!

You can consult a doctor at Fitie to determine the next steps. Don't do self-diagnosis, and always take care of your health, Ladies!

Sources: 

Mayoclinic.org. (No Date). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) [Online] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439

United Kingdom National Health Service. (2022). Overview Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome [Online] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (No Date). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) [Online]  https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos

Bulsara, J., Patel, P., Soni, A., & Acharya, S. (2021). A review: Brief insight into Polycystic Ovarian syndrome. Endocrine and Metabolic Science, 3, 100085.