What Do You Need To Know About PCOS? When Should You Seek Medical Care?

PCOS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome irregular periods Excess Androgen Polycystic Ovaries

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Aug 30, 08:36 pm

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main common causes of female infertility, affecting around 6- to 12 percent or as many as five million American women of reproductive age.

It's a lifelong condition where the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgen, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in a small amount. The term PCOS describes the numerous small cysts or fluid-filled sacs that are formed in the ovaries. Nevertheless, some women with PCOS do not have cysts, while several without the condition develop cysts.

Ovulation happens when a mature egg is released from an ovary. This occurs for the male sperm to be fertilized. If the egg is not fertilized, it will be sent out of the body during the period. When ovulation does not occur, it has a high possibility of developing numerous small cysts, and these cysts make hormones called Androgens. Women with PCOS can have more problems with their menstrual cycle due to their high levels of androgen.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, PCOS has no exact and clear cause. It may run in families as it is common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have the condition. Women with PCOS have insulin resistance which means the body cannot use insulin well. Also, insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. On the other hand, Obesity can increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms severe.

How is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome diagnosed?

The health care provider will ask about medical history and symptoms and include a pelvic exam. This exam checks the status and health of your reproductive organs inside and outside your body.

Ultrasound and blood tests are two common ways to diagnose the condition. Ultrasound will use sound waves and a computer to make images of blood vessels, tissue, and organs, to check the size of the ovaries and see if they have cysts.

Also, the test can look into the thickness of the lining of the uterus. The latter test search for high levels of androgens and other hormones. The health care provider also checks the blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Mayo Clinic says that the signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. Usually, signs and symptoms develop during the first menstrual period during puberty but can sometimes develop later. Common symptoms of the condition are irregular periods, excess androgen, and Polycystic ovaries.

Seeking medical and professional help

Although PCOS cannot be cured, the symptoms can be managed. The treatment options can vary as someone with PCOS may experience various symptoms.

Women who are overweight can reduce the risks of developing long-term health problems by losing excess weight. Even a weight loss of just five percent can already lead to significant improvement in PCOS. There are many medicines available to treat different symptoms associated with PCOS, NHS reported.

Seek help if you have missed or irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, and weight gain.