PCOS: Causes, Symptoms And Cure

Prelude To PCOS

If you are a health-conscious female living in the 21st century, then you must have heard of PCOS. It is that feminine disorder that could be the difference between eternal happiness and abysmal depression. It affects one in ten women of reproductive age. An individual suffering from PCOS can experience abrupt changes in her mood, appearance and personal health. Here, we would talk about the causes and symptoms of PCOS.

1. What is PCOS?
2. Causes Of PCOS
3. Signs And Symptoms
4. Prevention And Cure

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal imbalance, predominantly of the female sex and pregnancy hormones, estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance leads to the formation of ovarian cysts that are mostly benign but ones that need immediate treatment. These cysts act as an obstacle in the regular release of an egg. As a result of the nonproduction of eggs, the menstrual cycle is disturbed. Progesterone hormone which looks after the uterus during pregnancy is not produced. Hence, severe PCOS/PCOD can lead to infertility and related complications.

Causes Of PCOS

There are two main causes:

Overproduction Of Androgens

As a result of many genetic and environmental factors, your ovaries make more of the male sex hormone, androgen. Under normal conditions, the female body does produce androgens but in small amounts. An excess of this hormone causes hairiness, severe Acne, anxiety, and male pattern baldness. These symptoms are used for timely diagnosis of PCOS in the hospital.

Excess Insulin In The Body

High production of insulin can lead to PCOS. Insulin is the hormone in your body that your pancreas makes. It uses sugar to metabolize everyday reactions. It depresses your glucose levels so if you eat a lot of candies, your insulin levels rise naturally. High levels of insulin cause more production of androgens, providing ideal conditions for the development of PCOS.

Signs And Symptoms Of PCOS

If you fear that you may be suffering then you need to study the following symptoms. However, you must see a female doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms are listed below

• Hirsutism And Male Pattern Baldness

Have you suddenly noticed a spurt of hair growth on your face, back, stomach, chest or even toes and thumb? Do you feel that you are growing thick, coarse hair at awkward places? The hormonal imbalance that PCOS triggers could be the result of sudden hair growth in certain parts of the body.

Consequently, if this is accompanied by drastic hair loss from the scalp, such as you lose a lot of hair every time, and if this hair thinning is a sudden development, in all likelihood, it is an early symptom of PCOS. Seek an appointment with your doctor. Also, dandruff in the roots of your hair can also be an indicator of PCOS.

• Oily Skin And Acne

Due to hormonal disturbances in your body, you might experience a sudden outburst of spots and Acne on your face. Your skin may have a high content of oils. Women may infrequently have zits and pimples on their skin which should heal on their own. This should, however, not become a common feature on your skin. Too much acne on the skin or an altered pH balance of the skin should never be taken in a light vein.

• Irregular Or Absent Periods

Women should take their menses very seriously. Abnormally heavy periods or irregular periods clearly mean that something is wrong. Having fewer than nine periods in a year could be a sign of PCO. Therefore, you should never make peace with irregular periods or for that matter, heavy bleeding during periods. It means that you are not ovulating regularly which is a serious issue.

• Fertility Issues

About 90% of women conceive in the first twelve months of having unprotected intercourse. If you have been trying to have a baby for a while but have had no luck, you may be suffering from PCOS. Lower levels of progesterone may inhibit proper implantation of the zygote. Complications during pregnancy may occur such as premature birth.

• Mood Swings

Depression is a fallout of PCOS. Women with the condition either get too angry or suddenly feel too happy. As there are various causes of depression, this symptom can’t alone predict the onset of PCOS. If bouts of depression are frequent and long-lasting, let your doctor know.

• Sleep Apnea

Breathing trouble while sleeping can be a sign of this illness. You may have blocked airways that can lead to heavy snoring. You are most likely to get high blood pressure and heart problems. If you have been snoring a lot recently, then you need to see a doctor. It may be a consequence of PCOS.

Read our more detailed article: Sleep Paralysis: Symptoms And Treatment

• Weight Gain

Resistance to insulin or excessive production of insulin can bring about a change in your body weight. Your body will feel bulky and rich in fat deposits. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly but are still putting on weight, then you need to consider PCOS.

• Pelvic Pain

As if weight gain was not big enough of a problem already, a victim can add pelvic pain to her long list of troubles. Extreme pain in the muscles of the lower back and pelvic floor are also a noteworthy consequence. However, there are many exercise techniques that can ease this pain.

Prevention And Cure

It is unwise to self-diagnose especially when it comes to such a serious condition. We suggest that you visit your doctor and urge a physical examination. For its preventive and curative measures.

Conclusion

If you are taking the early symptoms lightly, we strongly advise against it. If this condition progresses to PCOD, serious complications can occur. It has reportedly led to fatal conditions like hypertension, diabetes metabolism syndrome, heart disease, and stroke. Therefore, if you can relate to any of the symptoms described above, see your doctor at the earliest. Its symptoms and causes need immediate medical care as it can be deadly.

Read our more detailed article: PCOS: Home Remedies For PCOS