PCOS: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Guide

A complex disorder that affects ovaries in women, the actual causes of this disease which may make women unable to conceive and bear children are still unknown. In this post we will talk about what it is and what are its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and risk associated with this prevalent women’s disease and how to get treatment for PCOS.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women resulting in enlarged ovaries with the formation of numerous small cysts in the ovaries. 

In PCOS ovaries secrete excessive amounts of male sex hormones that are otherwise present in small amounts in females. 

In simplest terms, PCOS is a hormonal disorder which affects the reproductive organs of women that produces hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These female sex hormones are responsible for fertility through regulation of the menstrual cycle.

In the long term, PCOS can also lead to major lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart diseases.

How Common Is PCOS?

It is a common problem in about one in ten women (8 to 13 %) of childbearing age. In India, about 3.7-22.5% of women are affected with this problem. 

Most of the women suffering from PCOS ( about 70%) are not diagnosed worldwide. It affects their overall health and appearance.

Who is at Risk for PCOS?

Women have a high risk of developing PCOS if:

• It runs in the family
• Insulin resistance 
• Unexpected weight gain or obesity 
• Heavy birth weight baby girls born to overweight mothers
• High levels of Androgens and Insulin in the bloodstream 
• Sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits. 

Symptoms Of PCOS

These below are some common symptoms of PCOS which females mostly ignore:

1. Menstrual Cycle

Menses may be absent, infrequent, irregular, sometimes scanty, or prolonged. In the long term, it may cause excessive period pain and menstrual cramps.

2. Stress and Anxiety

Experiencing high stress with depression, abrupt mood swings, and anxiety which may result in sleep apnea.

3. Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth on the chin and upper lips, also known as hirsutism in females. Unwanted body hair due to increased levels of androgens.

4. Weight Gain

Excessive weight gain with more fat concentrated towards the belly area.

5. Hyperpigmentation

The texture of skin changes to a darker shade especially in the armpit air and around the back of the neck resulting from insulin resistance and increased amount of insulin.

6. Oily Skin and Male Pattern Baldness

Acne, oily skin, and dandruff with hair fall and receding hairline-like male pattern baldness.

Causes or Risk Factors of PCOS

The exact causes of PCOS are unknown but the following causes may contribute to abnormal hormonal levels.

1. Insulin Resistance

Women having PCOS often develop insulin resistance. Tissues become resistant to insulin due to which the body needs to secrete more insulin leading the ovaries to produce more testosterone. Excess of testosterone interferes with the normal function of ovaries and prevents ovulation.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

PCOS is associated with hormonal imbalances and is characterized by the following:

• High levels of testosterone hormones.
• High levels of luteinising hormone (LH)
• Low levels of sex hormone-binding Globulin
• High levels of prolactin (only in some women with PCOS)
• Hereditary Traits

PCOS sometimes may be hereditary. Your risk of developing PCOS increases if your mother, sister, aunts, or grandmothers from maternal or paternal sides already have PCOS.

Treatment for PCOS

Treatment of PCOS does not follow any strict route. Goals for the treatment of PCOS must take into consideration patients’ medical history records and preferences into account, what symptoms concern them the most. They may generally include the following:

• Treating Infertility
• Controlling Hypoandrogenic Features
• Metabolic Complications
• Management of Weight
• Glucose Tolerance

1. Modern Medicine

Following medicines are used to treat PCOS symptoms, but one should never take them without consulting a medical practitioner.

(a). Spironolactone

Used in treating acne, excessive hair growth, fluid build-up, and high blood pressure.

(b). Metformin

Used to regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate ovulation, and improve menstrual cycle.

(c). Birth Control Pills

Pills containing a combination of both estrogen and progestin reduce the level of excess androgen, improve irregular menstrual cycles, and reduce the growth of acne and excess hairs.

2. Alternative Medicine

Various studies assert the fact that alternative medicines have proven to be effective in treating PCOS symptoms. However, one should always consult their professional doctor before venturing into alternative medication treatments to make sure it does not interfere with any prescribed medication.

Natural herbs have always been an integral part of Ayurveda.

(a). Kanchanar Guggul

Kanchanar Guggulu is a powerful formula that aids in eliminating toxins and wastes from the body. Known for its impressive healing properties, kanchanar is also used to correct PMS, menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalances, as well as to lose weight.

(b). Shatavari

Shatavari is a strong herb that is prescribed for treating a wide variety of reproductive and other health issues affecting women. It balances hormones and maintains the ovarian plexus preventing new cysts from forming, as well as preventing remission of the disease.

Furthermore, Shatavari enhances the health of the uterus and ovaries, supports uterine and ovarian health, and maintains the duration of the menstrual cycle (3-7 days).

(c). Bilva

Bilva is valued for its potent medicinal properties and for its bioactive compounds that aid in reducing the size of cysts and reducing dysfunctional uterine bleeding as a result of PCOS.

(d). Punarnava

Purnarnava supports women’s reproductive health by enhancing hormone production and correcting hormonal imbalances. It has been known to increase blood circulation, stimulate insulin production, and treat PCOS.

Lifestyle Changes For PCOS

Taking medication for PCOS symptoms only will not help in overpowering it.

PCOS affects the body both physically and mentally and to manage it one must also inculcate healthy dietary and lifestyle changes in their life.

Keep Moving Around. PCOS is mostly characterized by unexpected weight gain and not maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

You should denote at least half an hour of your day for physical exercise: be it brisk walking, going to the gym, or practicing yoga. 

This will help in weight management, building mass muscle, regulating a healthy monthly cycle, and improving immunity.

Eat a balanced diet while practicing healthy portion control. Consume a fiber-rich diet, to help with insulin resistance. Limit your carbohydrate intake and add high-protein foods.

Complications of PCOS

A woman suffering from PCOS is more likely to be prone to certain medical complications. These complications may vary from person to person.

1. Long-Term Complications of PCOS

(a). Infertility

Various PCOS comorbidities may contribute to infertility. Insulin resistance and obesity alone increase the risk of abortion. 

PCOS may also cause endometrial abnormalities. It is a condition in which the tissue lining in the uterus of a female grows outside the uterus. It may affect the implantation and result in difficulty in conceiving.

(b). Cardiovascular Risk

PCOS increases the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases for instance hypertension, heart failure, aortic disease, stroke, and so on.

(c). Oncology Risk

PCOS increases the oncology risk that is there is a high risk of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and breast cancer.

2. Preventing Complications Of PCOS

Learning about long-term complications of PCOS can demotivate any patient. 

Even though complications arising due to PCOS are quite severe, one can still prevent them by embracing healthy dietary and lifestyle changes. 

Go for regular checks at regular intervals to check your hormone levels and blood sugar levels, and have a full body check every once a year to be updated about your health.

Conclusion

PCOS cannot be cured, and one has to take really good care of themselves to make sure they lead a healthy life. Although symptoms of PCOS can be treated, still it cannot be taken lightly. 

One has to put in extra effort to remain in shape and make sure that their hormones are at a healthy balance by going for regular health checkups and taking tests. 

Long-term complications arising out of PCOS can be life-threatening and even rob women of their birthright to embrace motherhood if not taken care of properly.