Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition found in females between the ages 15 to 44. They suffer from irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne and high level of blood testosterone levels in the Body. This is a common hormonal condition affecting fertility many women.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary (ovarian) syndrome (PCOS) ) is a common hormonal disorder affecting many women between puberty and menopause. It is a syndrome that refers to a collection of multiple symptoms simultaneously. Polycystic ovary syndrome is also known as ‘polycystic ovary disease’, ‘Stein  Leventhal syndrome’, or ‘hyperandrogenic anovulation syndrome’.

What happens if you have polycystic ovary syndrome?

The most visible PCOS symptoms when any female, if you suffer from all the symptoms then consult a Obstetrician or Gynecologist. These are the health care professionals in women’s reproductive health.

Let’s see PCOS symptoms!

Irregular periods

Irregular period’s problems are the first sign of polycystic ovary syndrome which vary from woman to woman. They can range from:

• Irregular
• Infrequent (oligomenorrhoea)
• Heavy
• Absent (amenorrhea).

Some women with few or absent periods may build up a very thick lining in the uterus, and this increase the risk of abnormal cells in uterus that, as a woman ages, can develop into cancerous cells.

Difficulty becoming pregnant

Many women have Anxiety and depression not because of POCS but because of Infertility associated with POCS. It is a frustrating symptom of PCOS. The help of treatment by Hormonal therapies, Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and many more helps to get pregnant.

It is to be noted that not all women with PCOS will have fertility problems, and some will have children naturally without any medical treatment.

Weight Problem  

We have seen that women under overweight (an increase in fat, especially around the abdomen or tummy area) are more inclined to develop symptoms of PCOS than women of a healthier weight range. Often small amounts of weight loss (e.g. less than 5% of body weight) may cause spontaneous ovulation to recur.

Losing weight is easier than said — best achieved by a program of healthy eating and regular exercise (40 minutes, three times a week). Ask your doctor for advice about the best type of eating plan for you, e.g. lowering your intake of carbohydrates, sugar and fatty foods and choosing foods.

Even after doing these things you cannot lose weight then better go for any dietian and prepare a balance diet plan and work on it. 

Excessive hair growth

The high level of androgens (male hormones) might cause you to become hairiness (hirsutism). Unwanted hair can grow on your face, thighs, back, tummy and nipples. Ask your doctor for more information. You may like to investigate some of the beauty therapies available that give immediate results.

Scalp hair loss

Losing hair from your head, also known as alopecia, can be another consequence of too much testosterone.

Acne

Acne may also be caused by elevated levels of androgens and can appear on the face, back and elsewhere on the body. There are various ways to treat acne, including oral contraceptive (birth control) pills, topical creams and oral antibiotics.

 Your doctor or a dermatologist may prescribe certain stronger medications including anti-androgens – cyproterone acetate, spironolactone – or a retinoid isotretinoin. These types of medications need to be taken in conjunction with effective contraception as they may harm a foetus.

High levels of insulin

Many a time, women with PCOS are prediabetes or diabetes as there is high insulin in bloodstream because of high insulin resistance– meaning that the body cannot easily respond to the normal actions of insulin. The Insulin is a hormone, secreted by a gland called the pancreas. Insulin moves glucose from our blood stream into muscle and fat.

When there are high levels of insulin present in the bloodstream, the body produces more androgens. These are the same male hormones that can lead to PCOS symptoms.

Darkened skin

Higher levels of insulin can sometimes cause patches of darkened skin on the back of the neck, under the arms and in the groin area (inside upper thighs).

Long-term effects

 Polycystic ovary syndrome is responsible for various health conditions like High blood pressure, Atherosclerosis, Heart attack and Stroke etc. Due to abnormal levels of blood fats (lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides).

Many women are having polycystic ovaries but none of the other symptoms of PCOS are visible and can ovulate normally. It is because when any female contain about 12 or more tiny cysts then slowly these symptoms become visible in female. The name polycystic ovary syndrome is confusing because not everyone who has the condition has polycystic ovaries.

Psychological effects

For some people dealing with the challenges of PCOS and its accompanying symptoms, including acne, weight gain and hairiness, can often damage self-esteem and lead to concern over body image, as well as anxiety, stress, loneliness and even depression. Get help. If you find that you have a lot of difficulty seeing yourself realistically, seek help from a trained counselor or psychologist. Ask your doctor for advice.