PCOS - Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can affect up to one out of every ten girls and women during their reproductive period. It can alter the menstrual cycle, cause issues like acne, hair fall, and facial hair growth as well as lead to ovarian cysts. Although it is one of the most common reasons for infertility, some women are unaware that they are dealing with it and hence the condition is left undiagnosed.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. However, what we do know is that higher insulin levels affect the functioning of the ovaries. With the problem rampant today among women, knowing PCOS symptoms and treatment has become a necessity. Let us have a look at the signs that indicate you have PCOS.
Signs And Symptoms of PCOS
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Excessive Androgen: Excessive androgen secretion causes excessive growth of hair in unusual and unwanted areas. In addition, women might witness a male pattern of hair loss and erupting acne.
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Ovulation Problems: Women might start getting irregular periods, where they either miss periods or suffer an elongated period.
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Ovary Cysts: Cysts might emerge in the reproductive tracts of women.
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Gaining Weight: Women start gaining weight in quick succession.
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Mood Swings: Depression, anxiety, or overeating might start bothering you.
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Body’s Resistance To Insulin: Dark patches might start occurring around the groin, neck, and under armpits.
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Emerging Fatigue: You might start feeling tired throughout the day and might experience sleep apnea.
Treatment For PCOS
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Under such circumstances, doctors opt to administer different treatments to varying patients, according to their symptoms and test results. Following are some of the medication options available for PCOS;
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Metformin: Medicines like Fortamate and Glycomate contain metformin that helps in treating type-2 diabetes. These medicines counter insulin resistance and glucose production that causes dark patches in the body.
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Spironolactone: Spironolactone prevents the excessive secretion of male hormones that causes baldness. Conversely, its consumption during pregnancy is unadvised.
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Birth Control Pills: Birth control pills contain estrogen and progestins that regulate the hormonal imbalance in a woman. Regular periods can return owing to this.
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Letrozole or Clomiphene: These medicines help women conceive even while suffering from PCOS.
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While above are clinical medication, lifestyle changes are equally important. Implementing the following suggestions is a must;
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Losing Weight: Obesity can trigger PCOS, and thus a healthy weight can come in handy to stay fine.
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Proper Diet: Women should consume healthy food like fruits and vegetables instead of street food.
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Reducing Stress: Yoga and exercise are good ways to reduce stress and prevent PCOS from laying its ground.
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Consuming Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps in keeping a woman healthy, with healthier hemoglobin levels. Such supplements help in preventing PCOS to a great extent.
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