Polycystic ovary syndrome is a serious disease of the female reproductive system. Women with this condition are more likely to experience anxiety, low self-esteem, greater levels of depression, negative body image, and eating disorders. Being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may be severely stigmatizing, but it's unclear whether this is related to the disorder and the symptoms it might bring. It can be related to the possible long-term consequences of having PCOS(excess body hair and excess weight).
The problem is that PCOS isn't curable, causes reproductive issues, and requires taking long-term medicines as well as making lifestyle modifications. For this reason, it is critical not to rush when diagnosing women with a lifelong condition.
Learn 3 main things you need to know about PCOS.
1. What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome occurs when the adrenal glands or ovaries release an abnormally high level of male hormones. It is an endocrine condition that most commonly affects women of reproductive age. PCOS is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and high blood pressure, as well as a variety of symptoms like irregular periods, excess body hair, and acne.
This condition was initially reported in the 1930s, and the diagnosis has been modified multiple times since then. However, diagnosing PCOS can be challenging, especially if symptoms appear during adolescence since the illness is associated with glucose intolerance and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diagnosis of the disease throughout adolescence and early adulthood can be difficult because, while a young woman may display symptoms that satisfy the diagnostic criteria, these symptoms may be moderate and may even disappear naturally over time. As a result, experts are questioning whether the potential advantages of a PCOS diagnosis and early care outweigh the risks.
2. Who is at higher risk and why?
PCOS is a widespread condition that affects up to 10% of women. Gynecologists may identify signs of this condition in girls as young as 11 years old during their first pelvic exam. The exact cause of this condition in women is unknown, but heredity is likely to have a part because many women with this endocrine disorder have a close female relative who also has the same issue.
When the body produces too much insulin, it increases the production of male hormones, interfering with the normal function of the ovaries. Inflammation also plays a role in the risk of PCOS. It interferes with the body's white blood cells and your body cannot produce enough antibodies to combat infection. This leads to low-grade inflammation in the ovaries, causing them to continue generating male hormones.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, women with PCOS may have more dandruff than usual, sleep apnea, and male pattern baldness. Weight gain, as well as pelvic discomfort, is another potential issue.
3. What are the treatments?
Because there is no cure for PCOS, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Women who want to get pregnant, find fertility treatment programs helpful and highly effective. There are numerous drugs that can assist to restart ovulation.
Other therapies may include lifestyle changes, particularly for overweight and diabetic women. Losing weight can help menstrual periods return to normal and hormone levels to regulate. Additionally, decreasing weight can aid in the stabilization of insulin levels. You may also be prescribed to take birth control medications to help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce hair loss. Other drugs can help prevent excessive and undesired body hair, as well as other negative effects linked to high levels of male hormones.
The bottom line
If you suspect you have PCOS, it's important to receive a diagnosis from your doctor. Many women are embarrassed by the symptoms of this condition, but with the appropriate treatment, the negative effects can be avoided.
I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people. Being an enthusiast of a healthy lifestyle that keeps improving my life, I wish the same for everyone.
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