A lot of us have heard about PCOS (PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome). It is a condition that often goes unnoticed. Those with PCOS often suffer with unwanted facial hair, infertility and irregular periods.
PCOS affects women of all races and cultures. Unfortunately, just because a woman does not have symptoms does not mean that she is not affected. The important thing to remember is that PCOS is not an illness that you can just ignore.
PCOS is a disease which affects your hormones. The hormones are responsible for controlling many different areas of your body. The main area of focus with PCOS is hormones which affect fertility and your menstrual cycle. If you have PCOS, then it is possible that your levels of estrogen, testosterone and insulin are unbalanced. This can lead to issues such as PCOS acne, irregular periods, infertility, facial hair, and PCOS heavy bleeding.
What causes PCOS?
PCOS is usually caused by an environmental or genetic factor. Some doctors believe that it is a combination of both environmental factors and genetics which are responsible for causing PCOS.
1. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors which can trigger PCOS include diet, smoking and excessive exercise. Certain foods are known to trigger PCOS which can include chocolate, coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, fatty foods, sugary foods and processed foods.
2. Genetics
PCOS tends to develop in women with a family history of PCOS. It is also likely to develop in women whose mothers had PCOS during pregnancy.
PCOS symptoms
PCOS symptoms can vary from person to person. PCOS symptoms can include:
- Irregular periods
- Hair growth
- Oily skin
- Weight gain
- Tiredness
- Mood changes
PCOS symptoms usually develop sometime between the age of 15 and 35. Early symptoms of PCOS can include:
- Infertility
- PMS
- Irregular periods
The symptoms can be very subtle or very noticeable. Sometimes it is not clear whether or not a woman has PCOS just because of her symptoms. The best way to find out is to see your doctor.
PCOS symptoms are not always obvious. As a result, many women do not suspect that they have the condition. PCOS is diagnosed by a doctor by examining your medical history and performing a physical examination.
PCOS treatment
It should be noted that it is not possible to cure PCOS but it can be managed. Treatment for PCOS is aimed at managing symptoms and trying to reduce sensitivity to estrogen and testosterone. Some treatments can be used to attempt to control your menstrual cycle.
There are a number of medical treatments for PCOS which can include:
- Metformin
- Oral contraceptives
- Testosterone supplements
- Intrauterine devices
- Hyperthyroid medication
- Fertility drugs
Natural remedies
There are a number of natural remedies which can help reduce some of the symptoms of PCOS. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to reduce some of the symptoms of PCOS. Supplements can help to increase your levels of estrogen and testosterone. Some natural PCOS supplements can help to reduce the symptoms. Supplements like Solvve, which is a PCOS vegan supplement, is recommended by the gynecologists as an healthy option.
Conclusion:
PCOS is an ever increasing problem across the world. It is estimated that there are over 1 billion women affected by PCOS worldwide. It is also estimated that 50% of women affected with the condition do not seek treatment.
The important thing to remember is that PCOS is not an illness that you can just ignore.
Whilst PCOS is not curable, there are treatments which can help to manage your symptoms and can help you feel better about your condition.