Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – A Complete Guide

Some women face problems with hormone production. Usually, a female produces two sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and a male produces testosterone, but females also need some quantities of testosterone to boost the production of blood cells and to increase sex drive.

Doctors at Forest Hills, NY, a private medical practice, provide treatment and diagnosis of PCOS. 5-10 percent of women between 15-44 suffer from PCOS and need medical help.

Some females produce large amounts of testosterone. A slight increase in the level of testosterone can lead to a disturbed menstruation cycle and ovulation. This is generally seen in women suffering from PCOS.

Insulin deficiency is also seen in women with PCOS. Its deficiency leads to an increase in weight.

Some types of polycystic syndrome are caused due to chronic inflammations. This type of PCOS is called inflammatory PCOS. This is the primary reason for elevated testosterone.

The cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is unknown; it is said that this disease travels in genes and is hereditary.

Some women notice signs of PCOS after coming off oral contraceptives that contain androgen suppressors.

How would you know that you have PCOS?

The signs and symptoms are very confusing and show different symptoms in different women.

This is what makes this syndrome so challenging to be diagnosed. It takes years for a female to self-diagnose this disease.

Some signs of PCOS are as follows:

1. Acne.
2. Disturbed menstrual cycle.
3. Heavy bleeding.
4. Excessive weight gain.
5. Growth of hair on face, chest, belly, and back.
6. The male pattern of baldness.
7. Headaches.

Ultrasound of the abdomen shows the presence of cysts on the ovaries. Several small harmless cysts develop on the ovaries, and these cysts are nothing but small egg follicles that cannot grow until ovulation due to abnormal hormonal levels.

Polycystic ovary syndrome makes it difficult for females to get pregnant.

Treatment for PCOS

Even females have a different way of treatment; lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and taking care of health can help with the symptoms.

To treat PCOS, doctors prescribe birth control hormonal pills. These pills help maintain a normal hormonal cycle and encounter hormonal imbalance.

Medications are prescribed to meet with insulin deficiencies. This avoids excessive weight gain.

However, there is no specific treatment for PCOS. This disease is treated symptomatically, and treating it increases the chances of conceiving a baby. If PCOS is left untreated, it can lead to severe health risks like cancer or heart diseases.