24/09/2021
PCOS Myths and Facts
Overview
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among young women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels.
Symptoms
A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least two of these signs:
• Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe if you're obese.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor if you have concerns about your menstrual periods, if you're experiencing infertility or if you have signs of excess androgen such as worsening hirsutism, acne and male-pattern baldness.
Complications
Complications of PCOS can include:
• Infertility
• Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure
• Miscarriage or premature birth
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• Sleep apnea
• Depression, anxiety and eating disorders
• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer)
Obesity is associated with PCOS and can worsen complications of the disorder.
Diagnosis
There's no test to definitively diagnose PCOS.
Your medical history, including your menstrual periods and weight changes, physical exam will for signs of excess hair growth, insulin resistance and acne will help diagnosis.
Your doctor might then recommend:
• A pelvic exam.
• Blood tests. measure hormone levels. Additional blood testing to measure glucose tolerance and fasting cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• An ultrasound. Of your ovaries and the thickness of the lining of your uterus.
Treatment
PCOS treatment focuses on managing your individual concerns, such as infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Specific treatment might involve lifestyle changes or medication.
Lifestyle changes
weight loss through a low-calorie diet combined with moderate exercise activities. Even a modest reduction in your weight — for example, losing 5 percent of your body weight — might improve your condition. Losing weight may also increase the effectiveness of medications your doctor recommends for PCOS, and can help with infertility.
Medications
To regulate your menstrual cycle, your doctor might recommend:
• Combination birth control pills. Pills that contain estrogen and progestin decrease androgen production and regulate estrogen. Regulating your hormones can lower your risk of endometrial cancer and correct abnormal bleeding, excess hair growth and acne.
• Progestin therapy. Taking progestin for 10 to 14 days every one to two months can regulate your periods and protect against endometrial cancer.
To help you conceive, your doctor might recommend medications like:
• Clomiphene or Letrozole
• Metformin. If you have prediabetes, metformin can also slow the progression to type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss.
• Gonadotropins. These hormone medications are given by injection.
To reduce excessive hair growth, your doctor might recommend:
• Birth control pills. These pills decrease androgen production that can cause excessive hair growth.
• Spironolactone (Aldactone). This medication blocks the effects of androgen on the skin.
• Electrolysis. Ovarian drilling
Lifestyle and home remedies
To help decrease the effects of PCOS, try to:
• Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation.
• Limit carbohydrates. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets might increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor about a low-carbohydrate diet if you have PCOS. Choose complex carbohydrates, which raise your blood sugar levels more slowly.
• Be active. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily activity and participating in a regular exercise program may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you keep your weight under control and avoid developing diabetes.
