Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – A Hormonal Disorder

• 2021-10-14 22:51:15

Causes of PCOS

The exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is not known. But doctors or healthcare providers think that several factors may play a role.

Androgen Level:

Androgens are male hormones; even women may produce some amounts of androgen in their bodies. When the androgen levels are increased, it causes PCOS. An increased amount of androgen affects ovaries and ovulation. This condition leads to infertility and irregular periods. It also causes acne and extra hair growth.

Insulin Resistance:

When insulin resistance takes place, it increases insulin blood levels. Insulin resistance is the condition where the body doesn’t respond to insulin. This factor may lead to PCOS. It usually occurs to the women having obesity, family history of diabetes, unhealthy eating habits, etc.,

Inflammation:

An increased level of low-grade inflammation stimulates ovaries to produce higher levels of androgen that results in PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS

Signs and symptoms may vary for every woman. Some of the common PCOS symptoms are,

• Irregular menstruation – Women having PCOS will experience shorter menstrual cycles. Some women may stop getting periods.
• Extra hair growth – Due to increased levels of androgen unwanted hair grows in the parts of the body where men usually have.
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding – Women with PCOS may experience heavy bleeding during their periods.
• Hair loss or thin hair – Hair falls on the scalp as male-pattern baldness.
• Acne – Androgens make skin oilier, which causes acne on the chest, face, and upper back.
• Obesity – Women with PCOS can experience abnormal weight gain.
• Skin darkening – Skin on the body creases gets dark patches.

PCOS Treatments

PCOS can be diagnosed clinically through blood tests, ultrasound, and pelvic examination.

Treatment depends on the symptom or complication of the problem. Women with PCOS are at greater risk of pregnancy complications and miscarriage. It also creates more complexity in getting pregnant. Such women can get pregnant through infertility treatments.

Get help from your doctor or healthcare provider to manage the symptoms and get treatments based on your problem. Some women need medical help to get relief from the symptoms whereas some can manage with home remedies, lifestyle modifications, and diet changes. Acupuncture is also an alternate Treatment for PCOS.

PCOS Diet

Some lifestyle modifications can help to manage PCOS symptoms. It starts with weight loss, exercise, and diet changes.

• Weight loss helps with regulating menstrual cycles, controlling cholesterol levels and insulin levels that prevent heart diseases and diabetes.
• Following diets that help with weight loss can be very effective for this condition.
• Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can be added to your daily diet. It helps with regulating blood sugar.
• Taking low-carbohydrate foods helps with weight loss and controls insulin levels. 
• Exercising for about 20 – 30 minutes for at least 3 days a week helps to lose weight.
• Exercise along with lifestyle and PCOS Diet changes helps effectively to manage the symptoms and complications.

Yoga for PCOS

Recent researches say that practicing yoga for an hour a day reduces testosterone levels. Poses of Yoga for PCOS specifically focus on stretching and relaxation helps with symptoms. It also helps with anxiety, stress, depression, and all other mental problems. It provides extreme fitness for your body.