Women’s health is often battling with the unseen. One of the major enemies is polycystic ovary syndrome, widely known as PCOS. This endocrine disorder primarily affects women during their reproductive years, when hormone fluctuations often happen.
Are you curious about this silent killer? Read on to learn more about PCOS, its symptoms, causes, and appropriate medical treatments!
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome, commonly known as PCOS, is a common and complex hormone problem affecting women in their reproductive years. According to WHO, about 8–13% of reproductive-age women are affected by this condition, with up to 70% of cases going undiagnosed.
Women with PCOS often experience infertility, irregular periods, skin and hair issues, and cyst formation on the ovaries.
Symptoms of PCOS
PCOS symptoms may look different for each individual. It can be identified from early infancy to puberty and persists after menopause, with a gradual decrease in severity during reproductive years and a potential increase in cardiovascular risk factors after menopause.
Irregular Periods
An irregular menstrual cycle within the first menstrual period years can be an early clinical sign of PCOS in adolescents. The menstrual cycle can be shorter, longer, or no period at all.
Severe cases with fewer than nine periods per year, spaced 35 days apart, may even impact fertility and are among the causes of infertility.
Polycystic Ovaries
Immature egg-filled follicles may develop along the edge of the ovary, causing it to enlarge and function abnormally.
High Level of Androgen
Hyperandrogenism, or high levels of androgens, plays a vital role in both the development and progression of PCOS and its related complications.
This may lead to acne and oily skin, enlarged clitoris, androgenic alopecia or male-pattern baldness, and hirsutism, a condition where someone develops excess body hair.
What Causes PCOS?
While PCOS is an abnormal hormone condition, the leading cause of PCOS remains scientifically unconfirmed. There are several possibilities:
- Hormones: Insulin resistance can lead to excessive androgen
- Genetics: Individuals of certain ethnicities have a higher likelihood of developing PCOS.
- Family history: Women with immediate female relatives with PCOS are more prone to getting PCOS themselves.
- Lifestyle and environment:
- After birth, exposure to lifestyle and environmental factors—like an unhealthy diet and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—can trigger epigenetic pathways that contribute to the observed characteristics of PCOS.
- An imbalance in gut microbiota may contribute to chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism, all of which can lead to PCOS.
How is PCOS Diagnosed?
As PCOS symptoms are of a wide range, the diagnosis can be quite hard. Your doctor might recommend several options, like:
- Blood tests: These check levels of cholesterol, glucose, and hormones.
- Ultrasound: This scans your ovary’s condition to check the appearance and whether cysts are inside.
- Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your doctor assesses your reproductive organs for masses, growths, or other abnormalities.
How is PCOS Treated?
PCOS treatments depend on the main issues, as each individual might have different symptoms leading to various problems. Your doctor might recommend two important things: lifestyle changes and medications.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes:
- A healthy diet.
- Regular exercise.
- Weight-loss programs.
- Cutting smoking and alcohol consumption, especially for women with PCOS who may experience weight gain.
These efforts can help regulate one’s period, improve pregnancy chances, and reduce the risks of diabetes and heart disease. On top of that, improving one’s lifestyle can contribute to better emotional health conditions.
Medications
Besides exercising and having an overall balanced lifestyle, some PCOS cases need help from medications to enhance the treatments.
Your doctor might recommend hormonal contraception, Metformin, acne medicines, and other types of medicine based on your main concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you suddenly get PCOS?
PCOS typically develops over time rather than suddenly. It involves hormonal imbalances and can manifest during adolescence or adulthood. However, sudden onset is less common.
Can pap smears detect PCOS?
Pap smears are mainly used to screen for cervical cancer and detect abnormal cervical cells. They do not directly diagnose PCOS. PCOS diagnosis involves other tests, such as blood work, ultrasound, and clinical evaluation.
At what age is PCOS usually diagnosed?
PCOS can be diagnosed at any age, but it often becomes noticeable during adolescence or early adulthood—from 18 to 30 years old.
Conclusion
Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a common condition affecting women worldwide. Fortunately, this ‘silent killer’ is detectable with several tests and treatable with relevant lifestyle changes and prescribed medications.
If you or your loved ones show the PCOS symptoms mentioned above, visit Wells Road Medical Clinic for an accurate diagnosis and proper medical treatment. Our clinic provides comprehensive women’s care, from routine check-ups to other health problems like PCOS. Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
