What is PCOS? Is there a treatment for it?
Many women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, known as PCOS. This syndrome may cause some irritating symptoms that can affect the lives of women and girls of different ages. In this article, I will give an overview of this syndrome, its symptoms, its effect, and how to treat them.
What is PCOS?
The multiple cysts appearing on the ovary in ultrasound are not in fact cysts. These small sacs that are no larger than 8 millimeters are immature eggs.
Causes of PCOS
There is no medical clear cause behind Polycystic Ovary Syndrome except genetics. PCOS can be hereditary, many women and girls who have this syndrome have a mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt who has it as well. PCOS is very common 5-30% have it, and the percentage varies depending on the ethnic group and geographical location.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Menstrual irregularities
Irregular periods are among the most common symptoms of this syndrome. Also having few menstrual periods, a year is another common symptom.
- High Testosterone levels
An increase in the male hormone and other androgens causes acne and excessive facial and body hair.
- Polycystic ovaries
Which appear in an ultrasound test.
Other symptoms
- Thinning of hair on the head.
- Wight increase, despite low-calorie intake.
- Depression, due to hormonal imbalance and the previously mentioned symptoms.
- Sleep Apnea.
When do symptoms start to appear?
Symptoms of PCOS start appearing in adolescence during puberty. When menstrual regularities in young girls last longer than normal, a mother must take her daughter to see a gynecologist to have tests and an ultrasound done.
PCOS treatment
In this syndrome, we treat the symptoms that are disrupting the life of the patient. The first and most important step in treatment is getting an early diagnosis, and having awareness about this syndrome, its symptoms, and complications at a young age.
- If the main symptom the patient is complaining about is irregular menstruation, then we prescribe contraceptive pills that help regulate periods.
- If the period is absent most of the year this must be treated with medication, a female must menstruate at least four times every year. If this aspect is left untreated there is an increased risk of getting endometrial cancer.
- Treatment of acne, and excessive hair growth by regulating the hormones responsible for these symptoms.
- Treat any weight-related issues, excessive weight gain that happens because of PCOS can cause complications if left untreated. In the case of pregnancy, the mother may develop gestational diabetes. And later in life, excessive weight can cause diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other diseases.
Treating weight gain early on is essential for the overall well-being and prevention of disease later in life.
Also read Trying to conceive? Can your lifestyle affect that?
Does PCOS cause infertility?
In some cases, PCOS may cause some delays in conceiving, especially if it has a direct effect on menstruation and ovulation. But if the period is regular and ovulation remains unaffected PCOS may not affect the attempts to conceive.
However, if Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects fertility, the first step is losing weight, then regulating the hormones, and stimulating ovulation with medications. In case these steps don’t work we can try IVF or any other fertility treatment.
It is noteworthy that if you have PCOS you must not delay starting a family and getting pregnant. Getting pregnant while having PCOS is more probable when you are younger.
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