Overview

An ovarian disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome  (PCOS) typically shows up during a woman's reproductive years. You may not experience periods as frequently if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Alternatively, you may experience periods that extend for an extended period. Additionally, you may possess an excessive amount of androgen in your body.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by the development of several tiny fluid sacs along the ovary's outer border. Cysts are the term used to describe these. Immature ova are contained within the diminutive cysts that are filled with fluid. These are referred to as follicles. The follicles are unable to consistently discharge eggs.

The precise aetiology of PCOS remains unknown. Probable long-term consequences, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, may be reduced by early diagnosis and treatment, in conjunction with weight loss.

Causes and Symptoms

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms: what are they?
The most prevalent indications and symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are

• Irregular periods: Abnormal menstruation is characterised by irregular periods, which may include the absence of a period or the absence of a period altogether. Additionally, it may entail substantial bleeding during menstruation.
• Abnormal hair growth: Excessive facial hair or excessive hair growth on the limbs, chest, and abdomen (hirsutism) are examples of abnormal hair growth. This impacts up to 70% of individuals with PCOS.
• Acne: PCOS can induce acne, particularly on the face, torso, and back. This acne may persist beyond your adolescent years and may be challenging to manage.
• Obesity: A high percentage of individuals with PCOS are obese and struggle to maintain a healthy weight, ranging from 40% to 80%.
• Darkening of the skin: Sometimes, black patches of skin can appear, particularly in the folds of the neck, armpits, groyne (between the thighs), and under the breasts. This condition is known as acanthosis nigricans in medical terms. 
• Egg sac cysts: Numerous individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibit ovaries that appear to be enlarged or contain numerous follicles during an ultrasound examination.
• Skin tags: Little protrusions of skin are known as skin tags. They are frequently discovered in the underarm or on the neck.
• Hair thinning: Individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience hair loss in regions or undergo baldness.
• Infertility: PCOS is the most prevalent cause of infertility in individuals with AFAB. Inability to procreate may be the consequence of irregular or infrequent ovulation.

Is it feasible to have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without experiencing any symptoms?

It is possible to have PCOS without experiencing any symptoms, in fact. Many individuals are unaware of their condition until they encounter fertility issues or acquire weight for unexplained reasons. It is also possible to have moderate PCOS, in which the symptoms are not severe enough to require attention.

What is the principal cause of PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has an unclear aetiology. There is evidence that genetics are implicated. The development of polycystic ovary syndrome is most strongly correlated with obesity, but there are numerous other factors.

An increase in the levels of the male hormone androgens: Your ovaries are unable to release eggs as a result of elevated androgen levels, which leads to irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, irregular ovulation may induce the formation of small, fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries. In women and individuals with AFAB, Excessive hair growth and acne can also be caused by high testosterone levels. 

Insulin resistance: Your ovaries produce and release male hormones (androgens) in response to an increase in insulin levels, when insulin resistance is referred to.  Elevated male hormones exacerbate other symptoms of PCOS and suppress ovulation. Insulin enables the body to utilise glucose (sugar) for energy. Insulin resistance is characterised by an inability to correctly metabolise insulin, which leads to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance may not necessarily indicate diabetes or high glucose levels in all patients;  however, diabetes can develop as a consequence of insulin resistance. Obesity or overweight can also exacerbate insulin resistance. An elevated insulin level may indicate insulin resistance, even if one's blood glucose levels are within the normal range.

Low-grade inflammation: In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic low-grade inflammation is a prevalent occurrence. Laboratory evaluations of white blood cell and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the blood, which can serve as indicators of inflammation in your body, can be administered by your healthcare provider.

Is PCOS a contributing factor to miscarriages?

PCOS may increase the likelihood of specific pregnancy complications, despite the fact that the majority of women and individuals with AFAB are capable of carrying a pregnancy to term. Additionally, there is an increased risk of: pregnancy-related PCOS problems.

hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.

A preterm delivery is the result of a pregnancy that concludes prior to the 37th week. or delivery via caesarean section due to diabetes, obesity, or hypertension.

Complications associated with PCOS/PCOD

Any woman who has PCOD or PCOS will be curious about the effects on her body. Higher than average levels of androgen may have an effect on your health. The following are PCOS or PCOD issues that necessitate medical attention:

• Unusual haemorrhaging in the uterus
• Infertility or hypertension Incapable of conceiving
• Type 2 diabetes
• Preterm labour and early birth
• Metabolic syndrome is defined by an increased susceptibility to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperglycemia.
• Women frequently experience anxiety and despair as a result of unwanted hair growth and other symptoms associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• Sleep apnea is a condition that is more prevalent in overweight women and is characterised by frequent breathing interruptions, which disrupts sleep at night.
• (Resulting from the increase in thickness of the uterine lining) Endometrial cancer
• Miscarriage: the unanticipated termination of a pregnancy

Diagnoses and Examinations

What is the process for diagnosing polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?

Your healthcare professional can typically diagnose PCOS after conducting an examination and discussing your symptoms. In order to facilitate the diagnosis, they could administer blood tests or conduct an ultrasound.

Your medical professional will:

• Have a conversation with you regarding your medical history and symptoms.
• Inquire about the medical history of your biological family.
• Measure your blood pressure and weight.
• Conduct a physical examination, paying particular attention to skin tumours, discoloured skin, acne, hair loss, and excessive facial hair.
• Perform a pelvic examination to identify additional potential causes of irregular menstruation.
• Obtain bloodwork to assess hormone and glucose levels.
• Get a pelvic ultrasonography to assess your ovaries and measure the thickness of your uterus, and investigate additional causes of abnormal haemorrhage.

Three symptoms are employed to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Medical personnel typically diagnose PCOS if the patient exhibits at least two of the following three symptoms:

• Periods that are absent or irregular. Some patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) experience exceptionally severe haemorrhage when they do commence menstruation.
• indicators of an excessive amount of androgen, such as excessive hair growth or acne. or a blood test that confirms the presence of elevated levels of androgen.
• Ovarian enlargement or polycystic morphology on ultrasonography. A significant number of individuals do not develop cysts.

What is the most effective remedy for PCOS or PCOD issues?

The objective of PCOD/PCOS treatment is to resolve your unique concerns, including infertility, obesity, hirsutism, acne, and irregular periods. Lifestyle modifications, including weight loss, exercise, and nourishment, are typically implemented as the initial treatment. Any weight loss, even a small one (5 to 10 percent) can help to balance your menstrual cycle. 

The treatment course will be determined by the symptoms, which include hair growth, acne, and metabolic abnormalities. This includes:

• Utilise medication to regulate the menstrual cycle in order to resolve hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance.
• Controlling the quantity and quality of ovulation through the use of oral medications and injections: ovulation induction
• Utilising fertility medications to address infertility
• minimising hair development
• Treatments for acne and pigmentation on the epidermis
• Ovarian drilling is a laparoscopic procedure that is employed to eradicate androgen-producing tissue in the ovaries when hormonal treatment fails to produce a response in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Your health can be improved by any diet that promotes weight loss. Nevertheless, there may be advantages to certain diets over others. Additionally, the risk of diabetes and cardiac disease can be reduced, cholesterol can be improved, and insulin can be reduced by losing weight.

Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for 20 minutes per day, at least five days per week, is an efficient way for ladies to lose weight. Insulin production and ovulation are both improved by exercise-induced weight loss.

The optimal management of PCOD and PCOS symptoms is contingent upon the early identification and implementation of appropriate treatment modalities. It is equally important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to treat maladies that are associated with hormone imbalances.

Avoidance

Is it possible to prevent PCOS or its consequences?

While there is no known method to halt the progression of PCOS, it is possible to alleviate symptoms by making minor adjustments. For instance, one may mitigate the consequences of PCOS by adhering to a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a weight that is suitable for their size.

Coexisting With

How should I manage my PCOS?

Some of the most effective strategies for managing PCOS include maintaining a healthy body weight, maintaining a healthy diet and doing frequent exercise. By modifying your lifestyle, By regulating hormone levels, you may be able to alleviate symptoms and regulate your menstrual cycle.

If your confidence is being undermined by excessive hair growth or acne, cosmetic procedures or consultations with a dermatologist may be advantageous.

Finally, it is important to consider that you are not alone in your struggle to conceive if you have PCOS. PCOS is a condition that affects one in ten individuals. Your healthcare professional will work with you to achieve your goal of becoming expectant.

When should I schedule an appointment with my physician?

If you suspect that you may have PCOS, it is recommended that you consult with a medical professional. Symptoms that may suggest polycystic ovary syndrome include:

• A periodic cycle that is unpredictable. Menstrual cycles that last for more than 40 days without a period are not uncommon.
• Acne, excessive hair growth, or other signs of elevated androgen hormone levels.
• Struggling to conceive.