According to the latest data mentioned in the leading newspaper, one in five (20%) Indian women suffer from PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

I am sure, either you or someone you know has this syndrome. It is the major cause of concern during the childbearing age. So, let’s talk about PCOS and create awareness, as early diagnosis leads to rapid treatment.

Here am sharing a short brief about PCOS.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age which affects her fertility and makes getting pregnant tough, irregular menstrual cycle and excess male hormone.

Due to the production of the excess male hormone, they get hair on the face & body.

PCOS is a lifelong condition and increases the risk to develop diabetes.

Symptoms Of PCOS

• Irregular and delayed periods
• Excess facial hair (hirsutism)
• Acne
• thinning of scalp hair or male pattern baldness
• Weight gain
• Darkening of the skin
• Severe headaches
• Infertility
• Mood changes
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive

PCOS Causes

The exact cause is unknown, but a few factors might play a major role:

• Heredity or genetic factors
• Insulin resistance: Can’t use insulin properly, Insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas to help the body use sugar from foods for energy. When cells can’t use insulin properly, the body’s demand for insulin increases. The pancreas makes more insulin to compensate. As a result, it causes an increase in androgen (male hormone) production. It also disturbs the ovulation.
• Excess androgen production: Causes acne, hirsutism
• Obesity due to an unhealthy lifestyle

Diagnosis

1. A pelvic exam by the physician
2. A blood test to measure hormone levels
3. An ultrasound preferably transvaginal ultrasound to check the appearance of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus

Treatment

• Meet your gynecologist to discuss your symptoms. Accordingly, they will start you on medications.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Lose weight
• Increase physical exercise
• Keep yourself hydrated

Do you have any queries? Kindly comment down below.

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4. Menopause: Why it happens and What you can do about it?

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease#symptoms

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/one-in-five-indian-women-suffers-from-pcos/article29513588.ece

*Disclaimer–The content in this post is purely meant for educational purposes only and not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment.