Let Us Focus On PCOS AKA Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Being a woman in this urban world just keeps getting tougher and tougher. Not only do we have to compete to make a place for ourselves, but we constantly have to keep track of several hormonal changes that men would never have to deal with.

One of the common effects of all this stress, along with the current shaky lifestyle, has resulted in many women having polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS.

What is PCOS?

Unfortunately, PCOS has become much more common than it was about a decade ago. In literal terms, PCOs are when a woman in her childbearing years has "too many cysts" in her ovaries. But one does not need to have polycystic ovaries to be diagnosed with PCOS.

It is estimated that PCOS affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age globally, and this number may be higher in India due to factors such as a high prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance, which are known risk factors for PCOS. Other than that, a study that was published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences in 2018 reported a prevalence of PCOS of 18.62% among Indian women of reproductive age who were attending a tertiary care hospital in South India.

Pexels

What are the common symptoms of PCOS?

Even though PCOS is a common disorder among 1 out of 10 women, as per a 2018 study titled "Geographical Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome as Determined by Region and Race/Ethnicity", 75% of women who have PCOS still remain undiagnosed. So, to understand when to take a deeper look, here are some symptoms you should look into:

High androgen levels

PCOS can lead to high levels of androgens. This basically means a woman could have high levels of male hormones. This can lead to symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth (hirsutism), and male-pattern baldness.

Weight gain or the inability to lose it

PCOD can cause imbalances in hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, which can affect metabolism and lead to weight gain. Not just that, studies have suggested that women with this disorder also tend to have a high appetite and overeat due to the same reason. This can contribute to weight gain.

Unsplash

Irregular periods

This may be the most common factor that can help one understand if they have the disorder or not. Women may miss their periods every once in a while or have periods less than eight times in a month. Some women may also get periods every 21 days or more often. Some women with PCOS stop having menstrual periods.

There can be insulin resistance

People with this disorder have high insulin resistance. This means that their cells don't respond to insulin properly. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, diabetes, and other health problems, which can include weight gain as well.

Unsplash

What should people with PCOD do to track the problem?

Dr. Tejal Kanwar, a gynaecologist and menstrual health consultant with Ujaas, says, "In PCOS, there is a lack of ovulation, which may lead to thickening of the endometrium and delayed and irregular shedding of the lining. If not treated and managed, this can lead to the growth of cancer cells due to high oestrogen exposure."

To track how one can make things better, Dr. Kanwar has some tips:

Track your menstrual cycle

Irregular periods are a common symptom of PCOS, and that makes it challenging to predict when the next period will arrive, so it's important to keep track of your menstrual cycle. This occurs because the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can disrupt the normal ovulation process, causing irregularities and sometimes even a lack of periods due to complete ovulation.

A normal menstrual cycle is a complex process that involves the coordinated interaction of various hormones and organs in the female reproductive system. It typically lasts for 28 days, although it can range from 21 to 35 days for some women.

Get an ultrasound

Ultrasounds nowadays are a good gift. It is extremely easy to get an ultrasound on an empty stomach to understand that all the symptoms that you feel lead to PCOD are actually a concrete factor in your having this disorder. After the result, it is easy to go forward with your plan to reverse the effects.

Understand the signs of abnormal bleeding

Women with PCOS may experience heavy or prolonged periods or spots between periods. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend tests to rule out other health conditions and provide treatment options to help manage your bleeding issues.

Consider hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of complications associated with PCOS, one of them being endometrial cancer. The pill keeps the hormones lower and the endometrial lining thinner, thus reducing the risk of cancer. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the right type of birth control for your needs. Hormonal injections are also an option. Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment option is best for you.

Maintain a healthy weight

People with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese, which can exacerbate symptoms such as irregular periods. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and workouts can help improve menstrual health and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing PCOS symptoms. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and managing your stress levels can all help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the severity of your PCOS symptoms.

Be aware of the risk of ovarian cancer

People with PCOS have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, especially if they have a family history of the disease. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have and to undergo regular cancer screenings as recommended.

Unsplash

A lot of women with the above-mentioned symptoms may not even have PCOD, and a lot of women with this disorder may not show these symptoms. It is important to talk to a health provider in general and get regular body checkups just to make sure things are intact.