What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance during the reproductive years. You may not have periods very often if you have PCOS. You could also have long-lasting periods. You may also have an excess of an androgen hormone in your body.
With Polycystic ovary syndrome, many tiny sacs of fluid form along the ovary’s outer edge. These are known as cysts. Immature eggs are contained in the small fluid-filled cysts. These are known as follicles. The follicles stop producing eggs on a regular basis.
PCOS’s exact cause is unknown. Early detection and treatment and weight loss may reduce the risk of long-term complications like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
One of the most common causes of female infertility is PCOS. It can also put you at risk for other health problems. Your healthcare provider can treat PCOS based on your symptoms and whether or not you intend to have children.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
- Irregular periods
Missing periods or not having a period at all are examples of abnormal menstruation. Heavy bleeding during periods is also possible.
- Abnormal hair growth
Excessive facial hair as well as excessive hair growth on the arms, chest, and abdomen (hirsutism). This affects up to 70% of PCOS women.
- Acne
Acne can be caused by PCOS, particularly on the back, chest, and face. This acne may persist after adolescence and be difficult to treat.
- Obesity
Approximately 80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese and struggle to lose weight.
- Cysts
Small pockets of fluid in the ovaries are common in women with PCOS.
- Darkening of the skin
Dark skin patches, particularly in the folds of your neck, armpits, groin (between your legs), and under your breasts. This is referred to as acanthosis nigricans.
- Skin tags
Skin tags are small flaps of excess skin. In women with PCOS, they are frequently found in the armpits or on the neck.
- Thinning hair
People with PCOS may experience hair loss in patches or go bald.
- Infertility
The most common cause of female infertility is PCOS. The inability to conceive can be caused by a decrease in frequency or a lack of ovulation. There are some of the best infertility hospitals in Delhi that can help you with this.
How does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) cause infertility?
PCOS’s exact cause is unknown. There is evidence that genetics is involved. Other factors that contribute to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome include:
- Insulin resistance
The ovaries produce and release androgens, which are male hormones when insulin levels rise. Greater levels of male hormones prevent ovulation and are a factor in other PCOS symptoms. Your body uses insulin to help with glucose (sugar) digestion and absorption.
Because of improper insulin processing, which raises blood glucose levels, you develop insulin resistance. Despite the fact that not everyone with insulin resistance has diabetes or high blood sugar, insulin resistance can cause diabetes. In addition to being linked to being overweight, obesity can also cause insulin resistance. An elevated insulin level may be a sign of insulin resistance even if your blood glucose is normal.
- Low-grade inflammation
PCOS patients frequently have chronic low-grade inflammation. Blood tests can be performed by your healthcare provider to measure levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cells, which can indicate the level of inflammation in your body.
- Increased levels of male hormones known as androgens
High androgen levels inhibit the ovaries’ ability to release eggs (ovulation), resulting in irregular menstrual cycles. Irregular ovulation can also result in the formation of small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Acne and excessive hair growth are also symptoms of high androgen levels in women.
How to get pregnant with PCOS?
PCOS does not preclude you from becoming pregnant. It may be a little more difficult, and you may require additional assistance. There is a lot you can do at home and with PCOS treatment to manage its symptoms and increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
Getting pregnant with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome requires some of the same precautions that women without PCOS should take to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Begin a healthy eating and exercise regimen. Get into the habit of eating healthier and being more active.
- Consult your doctor about your weight and body mass index (BMI). Your BMI indicates whether you have a healthy body weight and how much of your body is fat. If you are overweight, consult your doctor about how much weight you should lose before becoming pregnant.
- To keep track of when you get your period, use an ovulation calendar or an app. This allows you to make a more accurate prediction about which days of the month you are more likely to become pregnant.
- Examine your blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor to ensure that your blood sugar levels are balanced. Your blood sugar levels are crucial in getting pregnant, having a healthy pregnancy, and even in the future health of your baby.
Apart from the aforementioned steps, you can also take the following measures.
Let’s check them out.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity has been linked to PCOS, but many women with this condition are not overweight. Even if you are overweight, losing just 5% of your body weight can improve your fertility and reduce other PCOS symptoms.
Exercise on a daily basis by going for a walk and counting your steps. Instead of sitting while working, use a standing desk. Lift light weights while watching TV to help reduce Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and improve your overall health.
- Healthy eating
Any woman who is attempting to conceive requires adequate nutrition. Replace sugary foods, simple carbs, and unhealthy fats with healthier options such as:
Fruits and vegetables, both fresh and cooked. Brown rice, oats, barley whole grains beans, and lentils chicken fish
- Medications
If you have PCOS, your body may produce more of the male hormone testosterone as well as the female hormone estrogen. Too much (or too little) of these hormones can make it difficult to conceive. Your doctor may advise you to take prescription medications to help balance your hormones.
Medications that can help you get pregnant if you have PCOS include:
Metformin for insulin balance
clomid (clomiphene citrate) to help balance estrogen levels
Birth control pills to keep estrogen and testosterone levels in check (before beginning fertility treatment)
Fertility medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce more eggs
- Fertility help
You may require in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to become pregnant if you have PCOS. Your fertility doctor will perform a physical exam as well as additional blood tests, ultrasound scans, and ultrasounds.
Whether you have PCOS or not, IVF can take months or even years to complete. Medical research, on the other hand, shows that women with PCOS have a high success rate with infertility treatment.
According to sources, in several clinical trials, women with PCOS who took birth control pills prior to IVF treatment had better outcomes. Other medications may be required to help balance hormones and prepare your body for infertility treatment in Delhi.
The first step in IVF treatment for all women is to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Women with PCOS who are a healthy weight are twice as likely as women with PCOS who are obese to get pregnant with IVF.
Before considering IVF, your doctor may suggest a less expensive option known as intrauterine insemination (IUI). Because it directly injects a high concentration of sperm closer to the egg, this procedure increases the chances of pregnancy.
Treatment in PCOS / Treating PCOS/ How to treat PCOS?
Treatments can help you manage the symptoms of PCOS, and thereby reduce your chances of developing long-term health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
Our doctors at Mothers’ World discuss your goals so that you can develop a treatment plan. For example, if you want to get pregnant but are having difficulty, your treatment would focus on assisting you in conceiving. If you want to treat acne caused by PCOS, you should focus on skin issues.
Eating well and exercising on a regular basis are one of the best ways to deal with PCOS.
Many PCOS women are overweight or obese. Losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight may alleviate some symptoms and help you have more regular periods. It may also aid in the management of blood sugar and ovulation issues. Because PCOS can result in high blood sugar, your doctor may advise you to limit starchy or sugary foods. Instead, eat foods and meals high in fiber, which slowly raises your blood sugar level.
Staying active also aids in blood sugar and insulin control. In addition, exercising every day will help you lose weight.
To treat PCOS,
Many women require a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor will design a treatment plan for you that is specific to your symptoms.