PCOS

Key Features of PCOS :-

• Hormonal Imbalance :- The ovaries produce excess androgens, disrupting reproductive hormone levels.
• Irregular Periods :- Ovulation may be irregular or absent, causing missed or infrequent periods.
• Polycystic Ovaries :- Ovaries may have numerous small, fluid-filled sacs (follicles) visible on ultrasound due to lack of ovulation.
• Symptoms :- This hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms like acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and infertility.

• Genetics :- There’s evidence that PCOS can run in families.
• Insulin Resistance :- Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, leading to higher insulin levels, which in turn can increase androgen production.
• Low-grade inflammation :- Chronic inflammation may play a role in androgen production by the ovaries.

Symptoms of PCOS :-

• Irregular or missed periods :- Due to lack of ovulation.
• Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) :- On the face, body, or other areas.
• Acne :- Especially on the face, chest, and back.
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight :- Especially around the belly.
• Darkening of the skin (acanthosis nigricans) :- In body creases.
• Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness :-
• Infertility :- Difficulty conceiving due to irregular ovulation.

Diagnosis :-

• Medical History & Physical Exam :- Including evaluation of symptoms like irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne.
• Pelvic Exam :- To check for abnormalities or signs of excess androgens.
• Blood Tests :- To measure hormone levels, including androgens, and assess for insulin resistance.
• Ultrasound :- To visualize the ovaries and check for the presence of multiple follicles.

Treatment :-

• Lifestyle modifications :- Weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise can significantly improve symptoms and insulin sensitivity.
• Medications :-
  • Hormonal birth control :- To regulate menstrual cycles and reduce androgen levels.
  • Anti-androgen medications :- To manage excess hair growth and acne.
  • Insulin-sensitizing medications :- Like metformin, to improve insulin resistance.
  • Ovulation induction medications :- To help with fertility if pregnancy is desired.
• Other options :- Cosmetic treatments for unwanted hair, like laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Complications :-

• Type 2 diabetes :- Due to insulin resistance.
• Heart disease:
• Sleep apnea :- More common in overweight women with PCOS.
• Endometrial cancer :- Increased risk due to thickened uterine lining from irregular periods.
• Infertility:
• Pregnancy complications :- Increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, miscarriage, and premature birth.

Living with PCOS: