Women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience symptoms that are difficult to deal with. These symptoms can cause women to feel frustrated, angry, and depressed. One of the main symptoms is irregular periods or no period at all. This article will discuss everything you need to know about PCOS to live a healthy life with it.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition in which women have cysts on their ovaries. These cysts can prevent a woman from releasing eggs and cause problems with the menstrual cycle. Women who have PCOS often experience infrequent or no periods at all, but it is possible to have normal menstruation even if you have this disorder.
Symptoms Of PCOS
One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is irregular periods. However, women who have this condition may also experience acne or oily skin, thinning hair on the scalp while the excess body and facial hair growth, as well as weight gain or obesity with insulin resistance. In terms of the latter, there is always the option for you to take supplements. This can also help you in overcoming pcos losing weight challenges. Just keep in mind that you should always be on the lookout for a trusted supplement.
When it comes to irregular periods, PCOS can be difficult to diagnose right away because other conditions such as thyroid problems and low-grade inflammation, or the inflammation that is not very serious, may also cause this symptom. Unless you experience other symptoms, it might take a while for your doctor to diagnose you with PCOS.
Causes Of PCOS
It is unknown how PCOS affects women. However, there are a few factors that can contribute to the development of this condition. These include obesity, insulin resistance or type II diabetes, high levels of male hormones (androgens), and genetic predisposition to estrogen dominance. Studies show that women who have a mother or sister with PCOS are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
Treatment Options For PCOS
PCOS can be treated with the use of oral contraceptives, progestins or antiandrogens, insulin-sensitizing agents (metformin), androgen blocking medications like spironolactone. More often than not, however, it is the lifestyle changes that are being done to manage this condition. For instance, you can watch out for your intake of high glycemic foods and sugars because they have been shown to increase testosterone levels in women with PCOS. You should also avoid alcohol because drinking too much may cause insulin resistance or worsen existing cases of type II diabetes.
Other treatment options include weight loss through exercise and dietary modification as well as alternative medicine approaches such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, tai chi, herbal supplements, and changes in diet. These are considered to be more holistic or natural approaches that aim to work with your body rather than changing it. In this case, what you need to do is to make sure that you will be able to live a healthy lifestyle.
Prevention Of PCOS
There are several things you can do to prevent the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, including breastfeeding your child if you have not already done so as it will help regulate the menstrual cycle. You should also exert the effort to lose weight through healthy eating habits and exercise, quit smoking or any other form of tobacco use, take folic acid supplements, as well as stay away from BPA. All these changes should be done to promote overall health.
Getting Pregnant With PCOS
You can get pregnant even if you have polycystic ovary syndrome. However, there are certain things that you need to know about having a baby when you have this condition. For example, your chances of developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy are higher. Additionally, you need to be on the lookout for signs of this condition during your birth since babies born from mothers who have PCOS can also develop it.
When Should You See A Doctor?
It is always best that you speak with a doctor if you think that you may have polycystic ovary syndrome or if you are currently experiencing symptoms. This way, they can conduct tests to determine if this is what you have and make the necessary recommendations for treatment. You should not self-diagnose because PCOS is a complex condition that can be difficult to manage.
PCOS is an endocrine disorder that affects women. PCOS can lead to infertility, obesity, and diabetes. Rest assured that there are treatment options for this condition, including dieting and exercise recommendations as well as support groups for those with the syndrome. If you have been diagnosed or suspect a diagnosis of PCOS, get in touch with your doctor because they may provide more information about how they may help you take control of your life back.
