Everything about PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition of  hormonal imbalance in females caused due to creation of excess male hormones. If you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. This causes your reproductive hormones to become imbalanced. As a result, people with PCOS often have irregular menstrual cycles, missed periods and unpredictable ovulation. Small cysts may develop on your ovaries. It is one of the most common causes of female infertility. It can also increase your risk for other health conditions.

Who can get PCOS?

A woman can get PCOS any time after puberty. Most people are diagnosed in their 20s or 30s when they are trying to get pregnant. According to the Best gynaecologist doctor in Jaipur, you may have a higher chance of getting PCOS if you are overweight or have obesity, or if other females in your family have PCOS history.

Causes

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown but according to research, genetics play a major role in this. Several other factors also play a role in causing PCOS:

• Higher levels of male hormones called androgens: High androgen levels prevent the ovulation, which causes irregular menstrual cycles.
• Insulin resistance: Increased insulin levels cause the ovaries to make and release male hormone (androgens). Increased male hormone, in turn, suppress ovulation and contribute to other symptoms of PCOS. Being overweight or having obesity can also contribute to insulin resistance. An elevated insulin level, even if your blood glucose is normal, can indicate insulin resistance.
• Low-grade inflammation: People with PCOS tend to have chronic low-grade inflammation. In best gynaecology hospital in Jaipur, doctors perform blood tests that measure levels of C-reactive protein and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods: Abnormal Menstruation involves missing periods or not having a period at all. It may also involve heavy bleeding during periods.
• Abnormal hair growth: Excess facial hair and heavy hair growth on the arms, chest and abdomen. This affects up to 70% of women with PCOS.
• Acne: PCOS can cause acne, especially on the back, chest and face.
• Obesity: About 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or have obesity, and have trouble losing weight.
• Darkening of the skin: Patches of dark skin, especially in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin.
• Infertility: PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility. Decreased frequency or lack of ovulation can result in not being able to conceive.

Treatment

Gynaecologist doctor in Jaipur will determine treatment based on your symptoms, medical history and other health conditions. Treatments can include medications, lifestyle changes or a combination of both.