UNDERSTANDING PCOS: Symptom, Causes &Management
WHAT IS PCOS ? : PCOS stands for Polycystic ovary syndrome . It is a hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries typically during their reproductive years. PCOS is a hormonal imbalance that affects menstrual period ,excess androgen (male hormone) levels and the presence of multiple small cyst on the ovaries. With PCOS many fluid filled cyst develop on the inner wall of ovary .These cyst contain immature eggs called follicle . The follicle fail to release egg regularly .The exact cause of PCOS is unknown . There is no cure of PCOS it can only be managed by regular exercise and healthy diet .
SYMPTOMS OF PCOS :
Female can get PCOS any time after puberty .Most of the female are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they tries to conceive . PCOS symptom remain unnoticed for several years till one actually diagnose it . Female are more prone to PCOS in case of family history or obesity .
WHAT ARE THE SIGN OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME :
- IRREGULAR PERIOD : Abnormal mensturation/ period involve missing period for 3-4 months or not having period at all . Infrequent ,irregular,or prolonged menstrual cycle .Some people may have less then 9 period a year .
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Excess androgen (Male hormone): Acne especially on face ,chest or upper back. Excess of facial hair or body hair (hirusitism), often on the chin , chest or back. Thinning scalp hair or male pattern baldness .
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Polycystic ovaries : Enlarged ovaries with many small cyst (seen via ultrasound )
- Weight gain or difficulty loosing weight : Weight gain especially in region around abdomen and difficulty loosing weight .
Insulin resistance or Type 2 diabetes: Many people with PCOS have difficulty processing insulin properly.
- Fertility problems :Trouble getting pregnant due to irregular or decreased ovulation .
- Mood changes : Anxiety or depression are more common .
Skin changes : Darkening of skin particularly around the neck or groin region or under the breast also called acanthosis nigricans . Skin tags in armpit or neck area.
CAUSES OF PCOS :
GENETIC FACTOR :
- PCOS is more common in female with family history background .
- If your mother or sister has PCOS your risk is higher .
- Multiple gene are likely involved especially those affecting insulin resistance and hormone regulation.
INSULIN RESISTANCE
- One of the most common symptom of PCOS. The body’s cell become less responsive to insulin , leading to higher insulin level.
- Elevated insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgen (male hormone like testosterone ).Disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycle .
HORMONAL IMBALANCE
- High androgen(e.g testosterone ) causes acne ,excess facial/body hair ,irregular period.
- Low progesterone leads to irregular or missed period.
- High LH(Luteinizing hormone ) relative to FSH(follicle stimulating hormone)can prevent normal ovulation.
LIFESTYLE FACTOR
- Poor diet : binge eating at night of junk food , sugary drink and excess of oily and salty food.
- Lack of exercise : lack of exercise causes laziness and lethargic feeling which as a result is the main cause of being overweight .
PCOS MANAGEMENT
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
- HEALTHY DIET : Eat low carb , high fibre and high protein food like whole grain wheat ,fruits ,vegetables ,nuts,seeds. Avoid sugar ,junk food,soft drink ,processed food item.
- EXERCISE REGULARLY: Aim for atleast 30 minutes of exercise a day for atleast 5 days a week. Walking ,high intensity workout ,running ,cycling ,strength training and dance .
- WEIGHT LOSS : According to research it is suggested that loosing almost 5 % of body weight helps in mangement of pcos symptom ,including reducing androgen levels ,restoring ovulation and improving menstrual cycles .
- STRESSS MANSGEMENT : Reducing stress by practises like yoga , meditation or deep breathing helps in secretion of sufficient amount of hormones needed for the body requirement.
- REDUCING SCREEN TIME : Now a days one screen time has been increased like social media and use of laptops and computer in day to day life . Limiting screen time helps to keep endocrine hormone secretion in a normal pace.
DIAGNOSIS
PCOS can be diagnosed by
- Physical examination and by studying the medical history of the patient : Physical examination include studying the symptoms like acne region if more prominent in chin region, excessive of facial hair ,and fat deposition especially in region around lower abdomen.
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Blood test : Blood test basically involve Hormonal level like examining the level of androgen , estrogen and leutinising hormone . Glucose level which checks for insulin resistance in body . Cholesterol level which indirectly is the measure of bad fat which leads to obesity leading to complicated medical condition .
MEDICATION FOR MANAGING PCOS
- HORMONAL BIRTH CONTROL : Hormonal birth control medication helps to manage symptoms like irregular period , reduces acne and hirusitism by managing androgen secretion.
- METFORMIN: metformin helps to keeps insulin resistance in check.
- CLOMIPHENE OR LETROZOLE : This medication is used to induce ovulation if one is trying to conceive .
- ANTI-ANDROGEN : Anti androgen acts against the production of androgen helps to manage symptoms like excess of hair growth and acne . Some of the anti androgen medication includes spironolactone
PCOS MANAGEMENT WITH AYURVEDA
- Ashwagandha : Ashwagandha also known as indian ginseng or winter cherry is a magical herb for balancing cortisol level to improve stress.
- Cinnamon : Cinnamon harvested from the bark of cinnamon tree is more than the herb which is known to maintain menstrual cycle and insulin resistance .
- Turmeric : Turmeric has yellow colour ingridient called curcumin which is known for its self healing property .It helps to decrease insulin resistance ant act as anti inflamatory agent which helps to remove bloating.
OVERVIEW
PCOS is not a disease it is a lifestyle disorder which cannot be cured but can be managed by healthy lifestyle.
Regular exercise ,eating healthy food and meditation helps to manage PCOS symptom like irregular menstrual cycle ,acne ,obesity and excessive of hair growth on face and chest region.PCOS is a serious problem that can leads to several health complication if left untreated .
In the world full of fancy skincare product full of chemicals which promises overnight miracle ,sometimes the kitchen solution does the wonder . Nature is known to heals one’s body be it in the form of acne ,acne darkspot ,dryness ,dullness and hyperpigmentation.Skin changes doesnot happen overnight consistency is the key for home remedies . Nature offer plenty of gentle ,nourishing remediesthat can help restore your skin glow without any harsh chemical treatment. Here are some tried and tested home remedies for acne and for glowing radiant spotless skin .