All about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

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Overview

PCOS is the abbreviation for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is now a prevalent health issue in which several tiny cysts (fluid-filled sacs) form in the ovaries, affecting a woman's hormone levels. Women with PCOS may have irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles, as well as high amounts of male hormones (androgen).

Early detection and treatment, as well as weight loss, lower the risk of long-term consequences like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What are some of the potential causes of PCOS?

PCOS's actual cause is uncertain. Factors that may be relevant include:
Heredity: If a family member has PCOS, the likelihood of developing it is increased.
Excess Insulin: Insulin is produced in the pancreas and allows cells to use sugar in the blood to generate energy. If the cells grow resistant to insulin activity, blood sugar levels might rise and the body may create more insulin. Excess insulin may boost testosterone production, making ovulation problematic.
Women with PCOS have a sort of low-grade inflammation that causes polycystic ovaries to generate androgen, which can lead to heart and blood vessel problems.
Excess Androgen: Excess androgen is produced by the ovaries, resulting in hirsutism and acne.

What are the signs and symptoms of PCOS?

PCOS symptoms and signs vary and may include:
Because of irregular periods and a lack of ovulation, the uterine lining does not shed every month.
Male hormones can induce acne by making the skin oilier than usual and causing breakouts in places such as the face, chest, and upper back.
Women with this disorder have hair growth on their face and body, including their back, abdomen, and chest.
Heavy bruising, The uterine lining thickens for a longer duration, resulting in heavier periods than usual.
Gaining weight, particularly around the waist
Male pattern baldness occurs when the hair on the scalp thins and falls out.
Dark patches of skin can occur on the neck, groyne, and under the breasts as a result of skin darkening.
Headaches can be caused by hormonal changes.
Difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulation or inability to ovulate
Skin tags, or little patches of extra skin on the neck or armpits, are common.

What are the PCOS complications?

Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is common in women with PCOS.
High Blood Pressure: Women with PCOS are more likely to have high blood pressure, which is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.
Unhealthy Cholesterol: Women with PCOS frequently have greater LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. High cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Sleep Apnea is a respiratory condition that causes pauses in breathing while sleeping. Many PCOS women are overweight or obese, which can lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome: A large proportion of PCOS women are overweight or obese. Obesity and PCOS both raise the risk of diabetes, hypertension, low HDL (good) cholesterol, and high LDL (bad) cholesterol. These characteristics, when combined, are known as metabolic syndrome, and they raise the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Infertility: Women with PCOS have an imbalance in female sex hormones (estrogen). This imbalance may limit ovulation or pregnancy by preventing the growth and release of mature eggs.
Depression and Anxiety: Depression and anxiety are typical among PCOS women.

Endometrial Cancer- Ovulation problems, obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes (all of which are frequent in women with PCOS) enhance the chance of developing endometrial cancer (lining of the uterus or womb).

What effect does PCOS have on pregnancy?

Women with PCOS may struggle to conceive and are more likely to experience the following pregnancy complications:
Miscarriage: A miscarriage occurs when the baby is lost before the 20th week of pregnancy.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a kind of diabetes that develops in the second half of a pregnancy and disappears after the baby is born. It is diagnosed when a woman's blood glucose levels during pregnancy are higher than normal. Women who have gestational diabetes, as well as their children, are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Pre-eclampsia: One of the most dangerous illnesses during pregnancy, pre-eclampsia causes a sudden increase in blood pressure and swelling, especially in the face, hands, and feet. If left untreated, it can result in major complications such as liver or renal failure, and in rare situations, eclampsia.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension: This disorder is caused by an increase in blood pressure that can occur in the second half of pregnancy and can result in premature delivery, low birth weight, placental separation, and other issues for the infant.
Preterm birth: The average pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, and kids born between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term. Premature babies are those born before 37 weeks of gestation. Premature babies frequently have complex health issues, both immediately after birth and later in life.
Cesarean delivery (C-section): A caesarean section is a medical technique that allows a baby to be delivered through a cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus. Due to the problems associated with PCOS, such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, women with PCOS frequently undergo this operation.

PCOS Lifestyle Suggestions

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A good diet and regular exercise aid in weight loss and the reduction of PCOS symptoms. The following lifestyle adjustments may be implemented:
Increase your intake of protein-rich foods such as dals, sprouts, milk products, fish, chicken, and eggs.
Vegetables high in fibre
Brown rice, whole wheat, and millets are examples of whole grains.
Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are examples of nuts.
Turmeric, cinnamon, and amla are anti-inflammatory foods and spices.
Avoid
White bread and muffins, for example, are heavy in refined carbs.
Sugary snacks and beverages
Foods that cause inflammation, such as processed and red meats
Walking, cycling, swimming, or weight training on a regular basis can assist to control the accompanying metabolic issues and weight gain.

PCOS diagnosis.

To aid make a diagnosis, the doctor would often examine a woman's signs and symptoms, medical and family history, physical exam, and laboratory test findings.

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Laboratory Examinations:

Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH)

FSH is a hormone that is related with reproduction and the development of eggs in women and sperm in men. This test detects FSH levels in the blood and aids in the examination of monthly abnormalities, hypogonadism, infertility, and pituitary diseases. With PCOS, FSH will be normal or low.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

The hormone luteinizing hormone (LH) is associated with reproduction. This test determines the level of luteinizing hormone in the blood and is used to assist determine the cause of infertility. LH levels will be high in PCOS.

Testosterone, Total

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males, produced mostly by the testicles, and is in charge of masculine physical traits. It can be found in both male and female blood. The testosterone test can be used to assess PCOS, infertility, hirsutism, and virilization in women and girls.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

SHBG is a protein generated by the liver that carries the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol as physiologically inactive versions in the blood. This test detects the presence of SHBG in the blood and may be used to screen women for excessive testosterone production. SBGH levels in PCOS may be decreased.

Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH)

AMH is a hormone generated by reproductive tissues, such as the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. This test detects AMH in the blood and is used to evaluate ovarian function, menopausal state, and PCOS in women. PCOS is frequently associated with an increase in AMH levels.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that promotes the production of breast milk (lactation). This test determines the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin levels may be elevated in PCOS.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels in the blood are measured with this test. TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid. TSH levels in PCOS women are normally normal. TSH levels are measured to rule out other issues, such as an underactive or hyperactive thyroid, which frequently causes irregular or absent periods and anovulation.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Diabetes is detected using this test. It is also known as the HbA1c test, the glycated haemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin.

Androstenedione

Androstenedione is an androgen that causes sexual differentiation in both males and females. This test determines the level of androstenedione in the blood and may be used to aid in the diagnosis of PCOS.