What is it?
PCOS is a disorder affecting young women, between the ages of 15-30 years, and is characterized by menstrual abnormality, weight gain, and excessive hair growth. The ovaries in these women are enlarged and contain multiple small cysts, with increased production of certain hormones.
The cause of PCOS is mutifactorial- There is a strong genetic predisposition, modified by environmental factors, metabolic abnormalities, poor eating habbits, and a sudden weight gain. This does not mean it cannot affect thin women- indeed there can be thin PCOS, and these are mainly due to genetic and metabolic factors.
What are the symtoms of PCOS?
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Sudden rapid increase in weight- central obesity
- Having more facial and body hair than usual
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Oily skin and pimples
- Loosing scalp hair
- Mood swings
- Sleep apnoea and snoring
- Lethargy, feeling sleepy in the day
The symptoms are related to abnormal hormone levels. Hormones are chemical messengers that control body functions.
Testosterone is a male hormone produced in small amounts by the normal ovaries. Larger than normal amounts of testosterone are secreted by the ovaries in PCOS, causing the androgenic symptoms of excessive hair growth and scalp hair fall.
Insulin is a hormone which regulates the level of glucose in the blood. In women with PCOS the body does not respond to insulin- insulin resistance- leading to higher than normal levels of blood glucose. The body responds by producing more insulin. This leads to weight gain, irregular periods, infertility and high levels of testosterone.
How is PCOS diagnosed?
A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you have any 2 of the following criteria
- Irregular, infrequent periods or no periods at all
- More facial or body hair than usual and/or blood test of testosterone shows a higher than normal level.
- AN Ultrasound scan shows polycystic ovaries
What are the Long term consequences of PCOS?
- Infertility
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Heart Disease in later life
- Cancer of the lining of the womb
Is there a way to reduce the long-term health risks?
Though there is no permanent cure, the long term risks can be reduced by the following measures
Have a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a healthy balanced diet- this should include plenty of green leafy vegetables, fruits,whole grain cereal, wholemeal bread, brown rice, lean meat chicken and fish.
- Decrease salt sugar, caffeine and alcohol intake
- Eat regular small meals
- Exercise regularly- 30 minutes at least three times a week
- Aim to keep your weight at a level that is normal for your height- Body Mass Index 19-25
Are Medications required?
Your doctor may prescribe
- Antiandrogen medication if testosterone level is high
- Oral contraceptive pills – to regularise your periods
- Metformin an antidiabetic drug to improve glucose metabolism
- If pregnancy is desired- ovulation inducing medications such as
Clomiphene may be prescribed - Cosmetic measures for hair- waxing, threading, electrolysis or laser
Conclusion
PCOS or PCOD has come to be known as a lifestyle disorder, though genetic influences do play a major role. Lifestyle modifications in the form of eating healthy, exercise and staying active could prevent or even reverse the metabolic dysfunction associated with PCOS.
Let us move towards a healthier tomorrow.
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