What is PCOS in women?
The term “polycystic” literally means “which contains many cysts”. Cysts are small pockets filled with air, gas, or fluid that can form on many parts of the body. We talk about polycystic ovary syndrome when the ovaries increase in size due to the presence of multiple small cysts. This chronic endocrine gynecological disease of imprecise origin, but probably with a genetic and environmental component, mainly affects young women.
PCOS Symptoms: What are the first signs of PCOS?
PCOS Symptoms include-
Many symptoms of PCOS are expressed to different degrees according to women’s conditions. Among the most marked, there is an absence of disorders of the menstrual cycles (metrorrhagia), weight gain or even obesity, hirsutism (excessive presence of hair on the chest, stomach, and face) and acne. In some cases, fertility disorders appear, leading to sterility, notably linked to anovulation, a consequence of the interruption of follicular maturation. Hair loss at the top of the skull and signs of virilization are also possible but are rarer. In some cases, dark spots on the skin of the neck, under the arms and in the groin area (inside the thighs), called “acanthosis nigricans” may appear as the symptoms of PCOS.
PCOS causes?
PCOS causes include-
This pathology seems to be of the hormonal cause since a deficit in luteinizing hormones and an excess of androgens, male hormones, are mainly found. There is a link between polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance syndrome, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. It is thus responsible for diabetes when it is of poor quality or produced in insufficient quantity.
What causes PCOS & when to consult?
Faced with acne, menstrual cycle disorders, excessive hair growth or difficulty conceiving, a consultation with the attending physician or gynecologist is necessary, as well as certain additional examinations (abdominal ultrasound, blood test) to seek PCOS diagnosis.
PCOS Diagnosis-
The diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome is generally made by combining the results of the examination with those of the additional examinations. In particular, a blood test is carried out, which makes it possible to observe the levels of hormones, in particular the luteinizing hormone, or LH, which increases in a variable manner. Androgens are also disabled and can be above normal. To this blood test, tests are added, such as an ultrasound which shows the presence of cysts in the two ovaries and the resulting increase in the volume of these organs.”When you are diagnosed with PCOS, you may feel frustrated or sad.
PCOS types and Drug treatments-
To date, there is no cure for PCOS. However, drug therapy can be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle, and decrease hair growth and acne. The different options are:
• Hormonal contraceptive therapy may be prescribed to correct the hormonal imbalance by lowering testosterone levels (which will reduce acne and hair growth) and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also reduces the risk of endometrial cancer (which is slightly higher in young women who do not ovulate regularly).
• Metformin is used to lower the blood insulin level, especially in patients with high insulin levels with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The two treatments Metformin and the contraceptive pill can be combined.
• Treatment of acne in the form of local creams, oral antibiotics, and other drugs.
Treatment of excessive hair
Solutions exist for excess hair growth which can quickly become a complex. To avoid this, it is recommended to discuss with your gynecologist and dermatologist the possibility of bleaching the hair, or else using waxing, depilatory creams, electrolysis or laser treatment for example.
Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet combined with daily physical activity are the most important part of the treatment. Balancing insulin levels and losing weight can reduce the risk of diabetes and some of the symptoms of PCOS. Accompaniment by a nutritionist doctor may be necessary.
PCOS with regular periods, Pregnancy and infertility treatment
Due to ovulation problems, PCOS can be a cause of hypofertility or infertility. Some women can get pregnant normally while others ovulate only 2 or 3 times a year, or not at all. The opinion of a gynecologist is necessary in case of difficulties in conceiving. Ovarian stimulation, ovarian drilling (a surgical operation to restore spontaneous ovulation) or assisted medical procreation (PMA) can help.
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