Living With PCOS: Symptoms And Treatment Options

Posted by: lukwago J in Health October 23, 2021

PCOS or Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormone imbalance that numerous girls and women of reproductive age suffer from during their teens to menopause. This hormone problem is common worldwide, though it has no cure yet. Women having polycystic ovaries are also susceptible to associated disorders like high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, etc. There are various symptoms unique to this disorder, making life difficult for the women affected by PCOS. Though this disorder is widespread among women, few know about it. Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome has an array of symptoms, and not all women face the same problems. This difference makes it harder for some women to diagnose PCOS earlier. While diagnosing PCOS later in life causes no harm, women can begin treatment faster if diagnosed earlier. While there is no cure for this disorder, there are ways to manage symptoms and regain reproductive health. Women suffering from PCOS should arm themselves with as much information as possible, so they can introduce the necessary changes in their life to combat their disorder.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone imbalance disorder that causes cysts to form in the ovaries. These cysts prevent the movement of eggs and disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to infertility. PCOS brings with it a host of other problems that can cause complications later in life. The cysts occur because of hormonal imbalances in the body that may be genetic. The menstrual cycle disruption causes further hormonal imbalances.

PCOS symptoms

The primary symptom of PCOS is an irregular menstrual cycle. Most women find out about their PCOS after visiting the doctor for erratic periods. But PCOS is not the only cause of irregular periods, and women need not worry if their cycle becomes erratic suddenly.

Another symptom of PCOS is weight gain. Most women with PCOS tend to be obese or overweight because of their hormone imbalance. PCOS also makes it harder to lose weight, but if women lose 5% of their weight, they can find some relief in symptoms.

Unwanted hair growth is also a symptom of PCOS that many women face, where hair grows on their chest, abdomen, chin, and jawline. The hair growth and frequency depend on the severity of the disorder, ranging from peach fuzz to thick, dark hair growth. Additionally, facial acne is also a symptom of PCOS that several women struggle with frequently. The acne is persistent and can ruin the skin texture and also leave behind acne scars.

Elevated insulin levels are also a telltale sign of polycystic ovaries. These increased levels can cause women to contract pre-diabetes or diabetes later in their life. Hormone imbalances lead to this increase, and women should be careful while consuming foods with a high G.I.

Diagnosis and treatment

While science is yet to discover a cure for PCOS, women can still manage their symptoms with medication. Before prescribing medicines, doctors will require the patient to undergo tests to diagnose the disorder. They may request ultrasounds and blood tests to determine if there are cysts.

After confirmation of the diagnosis, doctors prescribe a medication routine based on the specific PCOS case. Each patient might have varying symptoms and require a customised regime and lifestyle change to combat their symptoms. Most symptoms are manageable with diet and exercise, and women should consult with doctors to find the best routine for their needs.

Today, several clinics exist to create awareness and help manage hormone-related problems in women. These clinics help women maintain a healthy reproductive system and deal with reproductive disorders. These specialised clinics are a boon as they have in-depth knowledge and experience in this medical field, offering only the highest quality service for women.

Check also;

This is not a Paywall, but Newslex Point's journalism consumes a lot of time, hard-work and money. That's why we're kindly requesting you to support us in anyway they can, for as little as $1 or more, you can support us .

Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.