PCOS IN WOMEN

Hi everyone, welcome to another edition on oreime.

Today, I will be talking about PCOS in women. So many times, we see women with facial hair and some masculine physical trait, before you body shame such a person, read this article. I have come to find out that many people wish they could change some things about their physique, but their health condition would not give them the liberty to do so. Let’s talk about PCOS

PCOS is an acronym for the polycystic ovarian syndrome. 

PCOS is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to release eggs regularly and this is a major cause of delay in reproduction among women

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of PCOS often develop around the time of the first menstrual period during puberty. Sometimes PCOS develops later, for example, in response to substantial weight gain.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS vary. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when you experience at least two of these signs:

• Irregular periods. Infrequent, irregular or prolonged menstrual cycles are the most common sign of PCOS. For example, you might have fewer than nine periods a year, more than 35 days between periods and abnormally heavy periods.
• Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), and occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic ovaries. Your ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.

PCOS signs and symptoms are typically more severe if you’re obese

How to manage PCOS

• Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation. In cases where obesity is in play, maintaining a healthy weight would go a long way in ensuring that your body weight is under control.
• Limit carbohydrates. Increased carbohydrate intake can increase insulin levels. Opt for low carbohydrate diets if you have PCOS.
• Be active. Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels. If you have PCOS, increasing your daily activity and participating in a regular exercise program may treat or even prevent insulin resistance and help you keep your weight under control and avoid developing diabetes.

PCOS is not a death sentence and it’s not a sign that you would not be able to conceive when you are ready. PCOS can be properly managed by healthy living.

See you next time! Till then, stay healthy!