According to a health report, now a day’s about 10 million people in the world are likely to suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS. Though the exact cause of PCOS are not known but it is considered to be a hormonal problem. It is believed that genetics and environmental factors are involved in the development of PCOS. However, it is a leading cause of female infertility now and is responsible for a number of symptoms that can affect the body both physically and emotionally.
SYMPTOMS OF PCOS
Though the symptoms of PCOS may begin shortly after puberty, but can also develop during the later teen years and early adulthood. The symptoms of PCOS are likely to go unnoticed as the symptoms are attributed to other causes. Woman who are suffering from PCOS tend to have irregular or missed periods as a result of not ovulating. Although some people may develop cysts on their ovaries, many people do not. There are also other symptoms of PCOS and they are
Weight gain
People who suffer from PCOS are likely to gain weight and obesity which is difficult to manage for the people suffering with PCOS.
Fatigue
Many people with PCOS report increased fatigue and low energy. These are all related issues such as poor sleep may contribute to the feeling of fatigue.
Unwanted hair growth (also known as hirsutism)
The areas affected by excess hair growth may include the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen. Hirsutism related to PCOS is due to hormonal changes in androgens.
Thinning hair on the head
People suffering from PCOS are likely to experience hair loss in their middle age.
Infertility
The PCOS is a considered to be the leading cause of female infertility. However, not every woman with PCOS is the same. Although some people may need the assistance of fertility treatments, others are able to conceive naturally.
Acne
Hormonal changes related to androgens are likely to lead to acne problems. The other skin problems such as the development of skin tags and darkened patches of skin are also related to PCOS.
Mood changes
If a person is suffering from PCOS then there are chances of increasing the likelihood of mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
Pelvic pain
The pelvic pain may occur with periods, along with heavy bleeding. It may also occur when a woman is not bleeding.
Headaches
The hormonal changes prompt to headaches.
Sleep problems
People with PCOS often report problems such as insomnia or poor sleep. There are many factors that can affect sleep, but PCOS has been linked to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, a person will stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep.
DIAGNOSIS
There is not one special test which can help to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will start by asking questions about your medical history of symptoms such as irregular or skipped periods, weight changes, hair changes, and acne. Your doctor will also ask about your family’s medical history. Your doctor will check your weight and vitals and do a complete physical exam. A number of lab tests may be ordered including blood sugar and androgen levels. A sonogram may also be done to evaluate the ovaries. Therefore, with the help of these tests it can help you to make a diagnosis of PCOS and exclude other causes for your symptoms. Your primary doctor may also refer you to a hormone specialist, or endocrinologist, to help direct the work-up needed to rule out other causes and confirm the diagnosis of PCOS.
TREATMENT FOR PCOS
Birth Control Pill
If a woman is not seeking to become pregnant, hormonal birth control is a standard treatment. Birth control pills regulate periods and improve excess hair growth and acne by lowering androgen levels and protect the endometrium (inner lining of the uterus) against abnormal cell growth. Older types of birth control pills have lower risk for dangerous blood clots and are preferable over new types of birth control pills.
Metformin
Many doctors prescribe metformin for PCOS patients though it is not approved by the FDA. Metformin is a medicine that makes the body more sensitive to insulin and this can help to lower the elevated blood glucose levels, insulin levels, and androgen levels. People who use metformin may lose some weight as well. Metformin can improve menstrual patterns but it does not help as much for unwanted excess hair. Many women who are diagnosed with PCOS are often automatically prescribed metformin. However, it is important to have a reason for taking metformin and not be on it just because of a diagnosis of PCOS.
Clomiphene (Clomid)
Clomiphene (Clomid) is an oral medication which is the most common treatment used to induce ovulation. The use of both metformin and clomiphene has about the same fertility results as clomiphene use alone. A benefit is that metformin may help reduce the risk for ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome during assisted reproductive technology fertility treatments. Other treatments to stimulate ovulation include another oral medication called letrozole (Femara) and gonadotropins which are hormones that are given by injection. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro maturation (IVM) may be other fertility treatment options.
Lifestyle
It has been found that lifestyle measures help to achieve a weight loss of 5%-10% in overweight women can help regulate ovulation and periods. Although the basic approach of nutrition is needed, it can be more challenging to lose weight and maintain weight loss with PCOS.
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is the anti-androgen drug most often used. This drug helps in lowering androgen levels and many patients have significant improvements in androgen-related symptoms such excess hair.
Treatments targeting the skin or hair more directly are also available to help with hair problems. These include the prescription cream eflornithine hydrochloride, acne products and cosmetic treatments such as laser therapy and electrolysis. Vitamins, supplements and other complementary treatments are also popular among women with PCOS.
It is seen that there is no cure yet there are many ways by which we can decrease or eliminate PCOS symptoms and feel better. Your doctor may offer different medicines that can treat symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair, and elevated blood sugar. Fertility treatments are available to help women get pregnant. Losing as little as 5% excess weight can help women ovulate more regularly and lessen other PCOS symptoms. The ideal way to control the PCOS is to through nutrition and exercise.