The Term “polycystic” is a bit misleading, as it refers to multiple underdeveloped follicles (not cysts) on the ovaries that are commonly seen on a pelvic ultrasound. The term “polycystic” refers to multiple cysts, but it was used to describe the appearance of multiple follicles on the ovaries in women with PCOS as seen on a pelvic ultrasound. However, these follicles are not actually cysts, but rather underdeveloped follicles that do not release an egg during ovulation.
These are caused by problems with ovulation, which results in these follicles getting stuck in their development. Normally, up to 12 follicles begin to develop at once, with one becoming the dominant follicle that releases an egg for fertilization during ovulation.
But in women with PCOS, the follicles may not progress to the final stage of development, leading to difficulty in ovulation. As a result, women with PCOS may struggle to ovulate on time, causing hormonal imbalances and other symptoms associated with the condition.
It’s worth noting that not all women with PCOS have polycystic ovaries, and diagnosis doesn’t necessarily require their presence .PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, can manifest in different ways, and the symptoms can vary from woman to woman. Some women may experience only a few of the symptoms, while others may have several.
Do You Have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? An Essential Symptom Checklist
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects over 20% of women of reproductive age, yet many remain unaware they might have it. If you recognize yourself in any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek professional advice.
Key Symptoms of PCOS
1.Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Do you experience fewer than 8 periods a year? Irregular menstruation is often one of the first signs of PCOS.
Irregular periods: One of the most common signs of PCOS is irregular periods. This can mean having fewer periods than normal, having periods that last longer than usual, or having periods that are very light or very heavy.
2.Elevated Testosterone Levels
Have your hormone tests indicated high testosterone levels? This hormonal imbalance is a major feature of PCOS.
3.Polycystic Ovaries
Have diagnostic ultrasounds revealed polycystic ovaries? This is a key criterion for a PCOS diagnosis.
If you identify with at least two out of these three signs, you could likely be experiencing PCOS.
4.Acne
Acne: Women with PCOS may experience acne, especially on their face, chest, and back. This is due to the increased production of androgens, male hormones that can cause excess oil production and inflammation in the skin. This condition affects 37.3% to 60% of women with PCOS, hinting at hormonal issues.
5. Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism)
PCOS can cause excess hair growth on the face, chest, back, and stomach. This condition is called hirsutism and is caused by the increased production of androgens.(Male hormones)
Do you notice an increase in facial or body hair? This affects 60% to 80% of women with PCOS and can be distressing.
6.Weight Management Challenges
Women with PCOS may find it difficult to lose weight, and may gain weight easily. This can be associated with the insulin resistance.Are you struggling with weight gain or difficulty losing weight? Around 28% of overweight women have PCOS.
7.Infertility
Finding it hard to conceive? PCOS is a leading cause of fertility issues due to anovulation.
8.Scalp Hair Thinning
Experiencing unusual hair loss? Women with PCOS often notice more hair shedding than the typical 50 to 100 strands a day.
9.Skin Irregularities
Noticing dark patches of skin or skin tags? These changes can be linked to insulin resistance.
10.Fatigue and Low Energy
Do you face tiredness, especially during the day? Mid-morning and mid-afternoon slumps are common in women with this syndrome.
11.Food Cravings
Are you frequently experiencing intense cravings? This can often relate to insulin resistance.
12.Mood Fluctuations
Struggling with mood swings, anxiety, or depression? Emotional challenges are prevalent among those with PCOS.
If you relate to several symptoms on this list, it’s crucial to keep track of your concerns and consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can significantly improve your quality of life. PCOS is a multifaceted condition with a range of symptoms, but effective management is possible. With the right support and lifestyle adjustments, you can take charge of your health and navigate this syndrome successfully.
The Types of PCOS
There are four types of PCOS
: Adrenal PCOS
Insulin-resistant PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS
Pill-induced PCOS .
Understanding the different types of PCOS is essential in determining the best treatment approach. Let’s look into causes and symptome of each type of PCOS:
Adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS is caused by high levels of androgens, male hormones produced by the adrenal gland. This type of PCOS is characterised by symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, and irregular periods. Ayurvedic treatment for Adrenal PCOS often involves balancing the levels of androgens in the body through herbal remedies and lifestyle changes.
Insulin-resistant PCOS
Insulin resistant PCOS is the most common type of PCOS. It occurs when the body is resistant to insulin, leading to high levels of insulin in the bloodstream. This excess insulin can cause the ovaries to produce more androgen, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, and acne. Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS and Insulin Resistance often involves dietary changes and herbal remedies that can help balance blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation in the body.
Inflammatory PCOS
Inflammatory PCOS is characterised by inflammation in the body that can lead to insulin resistance and androgen excess. This type of PCOS is often accompanied by symptoms such as acne, hair loss, and weight gain. Ayurvedic treatment for Inflammatory PCOS often involves anti-inflammatory herbs and dietary changes that can help reduce inflammation in the body and balance hormone levels.
Pill-induced PCOS
Pill-induced PCOS occurs when a woman stops taking birth control pills. The pills contain hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent the ovaries from producing cysts. When a woman stops taking the pill, her body may take time to adjust, leading to the formation of cysts on the ovaries. Ayurvedic treatment for Pill-induced PCOS often involves herbal remedies and dietary changes that can help regulate the menstrual cycle and support the body’s natural hormonal balance.
What are the Causes of PCOS?
The exact causes of PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, are not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.
Genetics: PCOS can run in families, and certain genes may increase a woman’s risk of developing the condition. However, the specific genes involved in PCOS have not yet been identified.
Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS is a hormonal disorder, and it is believed that imbalances in certain hormones can contribute to the development of the condition. Women with PCOS typically have higher than normal levels of androgens, male hormones that are also present in women. This excess of androgens can cause the ovaries to produce more follicles than normal, which can lead to the formation of cysts.
Insulin Resistance: Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, which means that their bodies are less able to use insulin effectively. This can lead to high levels of insulin in the bloodstream, which can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens, leading to symptoms such as acne, excess hair growth, and weight gain.
Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of PCOS. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies, which can contribute to insulin resistance and androgen excess.
Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also contribute to the development of PCOS. A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to insulin resistance, while lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain and inflammation.
PCOS Health Complications
PCOS is a progressive health disorder. If left untreated, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can lead to several health complications. Some of these complications are:
Infertility: PCOS can make it difficult for women to conceive, as it can cause irregular periods and anovulation (lack of ovulation). This can make it harder to predict ovulation and time intercourse for optimal chances of pregnancy.
Diabetes: Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can cause elevated blood sugar levels and can eventually lead to diabetes if left untreated.
Cardiovascular disease: Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart attacks. This is due to the increased insulin resistance and inflammation associated with PCOS.
Endometrial cancer: Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus. This is due to the excess of estrogen that can occur in women with PCOS who do not ovulate regularly.
Sleep apnea: PCOS is also associated with sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. Sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue and other health complications.
Depression and anxiety: PCOS can have a significant impact on a woman’s mental health. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety due to the impact of the condition on their physical health, fertility, and overall quality of life.for signs of androgen excess, such as excess hair growth, acne, and hair loss.
Diagnosing PCOS requires a combination of tests and evaluations:
Medical history: Healthcare providers will ask about your menstrual cycle, symptoms, and family history of PCOS or other hormonal disorders.
Physical exam: Healthcare providers may perform a physical exam to check for signs of androgen excess, such as excess hair growth, acne, and hair loss.
Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check hormone levels, including androgens, estrogen, and progesterone. Blood tests can also be used to check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid disorders.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound can be used to check for the presence of cysts on the ovaries. However, it’s important to note that not all women with PCOS have cysts on their ovaries, and not all women with cysts on their ovaries have PCOS.
If you suspect you have PCOS, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the best course of action for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the hormone levels for PCOS?
Hormone levels can vary widely among women with the condition. However, certain hormonal imbalances are commonly observed in PCOS, such as:
Elevated androgen levels: Testosterone levels greater than 2.7 nmol/L (78 ng/dL) and/or DHEAS levels greater than 4,500 ng/mL are often considered high and may suggest PCOS.
Elevated LH(luteinising hormone) levels: Women with PCOS may have LH levels that are higher than FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels, or a ratio of LH to FSH greater than 2:1.
Insulin resistance: Fasting insulin levels greater than 15-20 microU/mL or a homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) greater than 2.5 are often used as markers for insulin resistance, which is common in women with PCOS.
It’s important to note that hormone levels alone are not sufficient to diagnose PCOS, and a combination of symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory testing is typically used to make a diagnosis.
Conclusion
If you think you may have PCOS, it’s important to write down your concerns and visit your health professional armed with both your questions and your concerns.Diseases presenting differently in women are often missed or misdiagnosed, and those affecting mainly women remain largely a mystery: understudied, undertreated and frequently misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. This has major knock-on effects for both medical practice and the health of women.Lack of education, gender bias, and systemic issues have often caused misdiagnosis—or in worst-case scenarios, conditions affecting women remain a total mystery. Women’s medical concerns are often dismissed at a higher rate than their male counterparts Reminder to become your own advocate and don’t feel guilty about seeking help where help can be found because you know your body better than anybody else.
Written by Ahumuza M. Nyakato
