What is PCOS

PCOS stands for "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder that affects people with ovaries, usually during their reproductive years. It can cause a range of symptoms due to hormonal imbalances, such as:

1. Irregular periods or no periods at all.
2. Excess androgen (male hormones), which can lead to symptoms like acne, excess facial or body hair (hirsutism), and thinning hair on the scalp.
3. Polycystic ovaries, which may appear larger than usual and contain many small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) on the ovaries that can be seen during an ultrasound.

PCOD vs PCOS

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease):

• Definition: A condition where ovaries have many small cysts.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Generally less severe.
• Symptoms:
  • Irregular periods.
  • Cysts on ovaries.
  • May not cause other symptoms like acne or excessive hair growth.
• Ovarian Cysts: Usually non-functional.
• Long-term Risks: Lower risk for complications like diabetes or heart disease.
• Treatment: Often involves diet and lifestyle changes; less intense medical intervention required.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome):

• Definition: A syndrome involving multiple symptoms, including cysts on the ovaries and hormonal imbalance.
• Hormonal Imbalance: More severe with high levels of androgens (male hormones).
• Symptoms:
  • Irregular periods.
  • Excessive hair growth (hirsutism).
  • Acne.
  • Thinning hair.
  • Infertility.
  • Weight gain, insulin resistance.
• Ovarian Cysts: Hormonal cysts that impact ovulation.
• Long-term Risks: Higher risk for insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
• Treatment: Requires a combination of medications (e.g., birth control, anti-androgens), lifestyle changes, and fertility treatments.

Key Differences:

• PCOD: Milder, fewer hormonal issues.
• PCOS: More complex, severe hormonal imbalance, and broader symptoms.

 

PCOS Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of PCOS isn't fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

How to Check if you have PCOS?

Causes of PCOS:

• Hormonal Imbalance:
  People with PCOS have higher-than-normal levels of male hormones (androgens). This can interfere with the development of eggs in the ovaries, leading to irregular or missed periods and difficulty with ovulation.
• Genetics:
  PCOS tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. If your mother or sister has PCOS, you may be more likely to develop it.
• Insulin Resistance:
  Many people with PCOS have insulin resistance, which means their bodies do not respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This can lead to higher insulin levels, which may increase androgen production and worsen PCOS symptoms.
• Low-grade Inflammation:
  Some studies suggest that people with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to increased androgen production and other symptoms.

Symptoms of PCOS:

Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

• Irregular Periods:
  People with PCOS may experience infrequent, irregular, or prolonged menstrual cycles. Some may not have periods for several months.
• Excessive Hair Growth (Hirsutism):
  Elevated androgen levels can lead to increased hair growth on the face, chest, back, or abdomen, areas where men typically grow hair. This is known as hirsutism.
• Acne and Oily Skin:
  Increased androgen levels can cause acne, particularly on the face, chest, and upper back.
• Thinning Hair or Male-pattern Baldness:
  Some individuals with PCOS may notice thinning hair on the scalp or experience male-pattern baldness.
• Polycystic Ovaries:
  An ultrasound may reveal enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts, although not everyone with polycystic ovaries will have symptoms.
• Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight:
  Many people with PCOS struggle with weight gain or have difficulty losing weight due to insulin resistance. This can increase the risk of obesity, which in turn can make symptoms worse.
• Infertility:
  PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility due to irregular or absent ovulation.
• Skin Tags:
  Small, soft growths of skin, often found in areas like the neck or armpits, are more common in those with PCOS.
• Mood Changes:
  Some people with PCOS may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression, potentially due to hormonal imbalances, weight changes, or infertility struggles.
• Sleep Apnea:
  Obesity and insulin resistance associated with PCOS can increase the risk of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.

What are the first signs of PCOS?

One of the earliest signs of PCOS is having irregular periods—this could mean periods that are very infrequent, prolonged, or absent altogether. Some may only get a period a few times a year.

PCOS treatment

How can you treat PCOS?

Symptoms can be cured to certain extent by adding such foods and drinks in your diet. There are herbal teas and some super foods that help in improving hormonal imbalance. 

PCOS Tea in Pakistan

Spearmint Tea

Chamomile Tea

Ashwagandha

Macca Root Powder

Matcha Tea

Seed Cycling kit for PCOS

How to cure PCOS permanently?

There is no permanent treatment for PCOS. You can just control it through changes in your lifestyle.

How does PCOS affect your life?

• Fertility Issues:
  Difficulty ovulating may lead to challenges with getting pregnant or infertility.
• Weight Gain:
  Insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, making it harder to lose weight and increasing the risk of obesity.
• Acne:
  Elevated androgen levels often cause acne on the face, chest, and back, affecting skin appearance.
• Excess Hair Growth:
  Hirsutism (excessive hair on the face, chest, or back) can cause distress and affect confidence.
• Thinning Hair:
  Some experience hair thinning on the scalp, affecting self-image.
• Mental Health Concerns:
  Hormonal imbalances and the emotional toll of managing symptoms can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress.
• Body Image Issues:
  Visible symptoms like acne and excess hair can cause low self-esteem and social withdrawal.
• Increased Long-term Health Risks:
  Higher risks of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and endometrial cancer due to hormonal and metabolic changes.
• Social and Relationship Impact:
  PCOS may affect intimacy, romantic relationships, and social life due to emotional struggles and visible symptoms.