WorldExecutivesDigest | Details About The Women’s Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | Polycystic ovary syndrome is a medical problem affecting one in every ten women of reproductive age. Women with this syndrome have metabolism problems and hormonal imbalances that may interfere with their overall health and appearance.
Also, PCOS is a common curable cause of infertility in women. Read through the article to get a clear understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome, from definition to risk factors you should know about.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Also known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, this is a common female reproductive health problem that is caused by reproductive hormone imbalance, which creates problems in the ovaries.
The imbalance can cause the ovaries to enlarge and have small cysts along the outer edges of the ovaries. Women with this syndrome can experience prolonged or infrequent menses; however, the most notable sign is the increased androgen or male hormones.
While there are no conclusive studies about the causes of this syndrome, early diagnosis, treatment, and weight loss plans can help reduce the likelihood of long-term problems such as type two diabetes.
Causes of PCOS
Although there is no known cause of this sexual problem, several factors can play a significant role in its occurrence including,
- Excess insulin. This is the hormone released in the pancreas to allow tissues to use sugar as the body’s primary energy source. If the cell becomes resistant to insulin, you may have excess sugars and insulin, which might cause excess androgen hormones. And these hormones inhibit ovulation.
- Low-grade inflammation. This is the term used to describe the production of a bacteria-fighting substance by white blood cells. Studies have shown that women with this syndrome possess a low-grade inflammation that encourages polycystic ovaries to release androgen, which can cause blood vessels and heart problems.
- Hereditary. Various research has also identified that some types of genes can cause PCOS.
Symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Usually, the signs and symptoms of PCOS start showing during the first instance of the menstrual cycle during puberty. However, sometimes it develops later, such as when responding to significant weight gains.
While the signs and symptoms of PCOS vary, a diagnosis can be made when you experience either of the following signs;
- Irregular periods. Infrequent, prolonged, or irregular menses are the most common symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome. For instance, you may experience less than nine periods every year, abnormally heavy periods, or more than 35 days intervals between periods.
- Polycystic ovaries. You may develop large ovaries with follicles along the edges of the eggs, causing the ovary not to function properly.
- Excess androgen levels. The increase in male hormone production in women can lead to too much facial and body hair. This is a condition that is known as hirsutism or cases of frequent severe acne and male baldness.
How is polycystic ovarian syndrome treated?
There are several treatment options you can follow to improve your chances of getting pregnant if you have PCOS. They include;
- Medicine: once you have ruled out the likelihood of infertility between you and your partner, your gynecologist can recommend medicine for ovulation, like the clomiphene.
- Losing weight: if you are obese or overweight, losing weight through exercise and a healthy diet can help regulate your menstruation cycle and boost your fertility. Create a personal healthy eating plan and start regular training to achieve these objectives.
- In vitro fertilization, IVF: IVF can be a perfect alternative in cases where medication does not work. In this process, a female egg is fertilized outside in the lab with the male sperm and placed in the uterus for development.
- Surgery: This is also another ideal option but only when all the other means have not worked. The cortex or the outer shell of the ovaries gets thickened in women with PCOS and is believed to prevent spontaneous ovulation. Ovarian drilling is the most suitable procedure for this type of surgery.
Conclusion
The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common health complication in women of childbearing age. It can cause hormonal imbalance in women leading to problems in the ovaries.
There is no clear cause of this condition is known, but many factors can lead to its development. Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve the discomfort and improve your chances of getting pregnant.
