Poly Cystic ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) by Dr. Minal Jain
PCOS
Now a day’s many girls and women get harassed by their own body, like obesity, irregular menses, excessive hair loss, frequent mood swings etc. Unfortunately they can’t even understand that this group of symptoms called PCOS
Now what does PCOS means?
The acronym PCOS tends to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The term polycystic means many pearl sized fluid filled bubbles in the ovaries which contain eggs that have not released.
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from an ovary. If it can be fertilized by a male sperm it results in pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, it is sent out of the body during your period.
In case a woman/girl having PCOS her ovaries can’t release eggs thus leads to irregular or delayed menses or she can’t conceive (infertility).
What causes it?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe that high levels of male hormone (androgen) prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally. Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.
PCOS may also run in families.
Combinations of factors which can cause PCOS are GENES, Hormonal imbalance, environment, lifestyles.
The symptoms of PCOS may include:
Missed periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
Ovaries that are large or have many cysts
Excess body hair, including the chest, stomach, and back (Hirsutism)
Weight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen)
Acne or oily skin
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Infertility
Small pieces of excess skin on the neck or armpits (skin tags)
Dark or thick skin patches on the back of the neck, in the armpits, and under the breasts
How PCOS affects your body?
Having higher-than-normal androgen levels can affect your fertility and other aspects of your health. It may lead to……
1) Infertility: To get pregnant, you have to ovulate. Women who don’t ovulate regularly don’t release as many eggs to be fertilized. PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility
Metabolic syndrome: Up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese Both obesity and PCOS increase your risk for high blood sugar, high blood pressure, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Together, these factors are called metabolic syndrome, and they increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Sleep apnea: This condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which interrupt sleep. Sleep apnea is more common in women who are overweight — especially if they also have PCOS.
2) Endometrial cancer: During ovulation, the uterine lining sheds. If you don’t ovulate every month, the lining can build up. A thickened uterine lining can increase your risk for endometrial cancer
3) Depression: Both hormonal changes can negatively affect your emotions. Many with PCOS end up experiencing depression and anxiety
How PCOS is diagnosed?
By asking about menstrual history (if it seems irregular for more than 3-4 months) and by pelvic examination, blood test and ultrasound
Treatment
Consulting a gynaecologist is the proper way for treating PCOS.
THE DOS AND DON’TS IN A PCOD DIET:
1.Diet should be dominated with lots of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
2.Avoid dairy products as much as possible .Hydrate yourself well by having a minimum of 2-3 litres water/day, coconut water, buttermilk, vegetable soups, and smoothies.
3.Avoid aerated drinks and sugary foods.
4.Include natural herbs in your diet like flax seeds, methi seeds, coriander, and cinnamon. Include millets like barley, ragi, quinoa, and oats.
Dr. Minal Jain (B.H.M.S)