Symptoms of PCOS.
The symptoms usually begin during the time of menarche or after having menstruation for a while. It can be seen at any time after puberty. Most of the symptoms are unrecognized by the affected individual.
The symptoms include:
- Irregular menstrual cycle: The affected individual may have irregular or missed cycles. She may also experience increased or decreased intervals between each cycle.
- Increase in male sex hormones: The rise in male sex hormones leads to excessive facial and body hair growth, named hirsutism. The individual is prone to male-type baldness, thinning of hair follicles, acne, and weight gain.
- Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries enlarge and contain multiple follicles with immature eggs.
- Blackish discoloration over the neck, armpits, or under the breasts.
- Skin tag formation in armpits and neck.
How to Know If You Have PCOS?
How to know if you have PCOS? Most people diagnose PCOS after their marriage while trying to get pregnant. The symptoms are not prominent, or one of the symptoms may be present. Some may diagnose the symptoms while visiting a dermatologist for skin conditions or hair loss. The disease can be diagnosed by:
- Observing physical symptoms, medical and family history.
- Physical examination of the individual for weight, hirsutism, acne, baldness, skin tags, and blackish discoloration.
- Pelvic examination to rule out other causes of bleeding.
- Blood investigations: Blood tests are carried out to check male sex hormones and blood glucose levels. The total cholesterol and triglyceride level are also checked to rule out any complications of PCOS.
- Ultrasonography of pelvis and abdomen: The pelvic and abdomen USG helps determine the size of ovaries, number of cysts present, etc.
Risk factors.
The risk factors for PCOS include:
- Obesity or overweight.
- Hereditary.
- Insulin resistance.
- Hyperandrogenism.
- Overconsumption of food with high sugar levels and processed foods.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
Complications.
The complications of PCOS include:
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Infertility.
- High blood pressure.
- Endometrial cancer.
- Breast cancer.
- Sleep disorders.
- Depression or anxiety.
Preventive measures.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the cure of PCOS. The cure for PCOS is still yet found, but the condition can be controlled, leading to a normal menstrual cycle and physical appearance. The preventive measures that must keep in mind are:
- Body weight must be controlled.
- A healthy diet must be included.
- Avoid high carbohydrates, fat, fried, oily, junk, and processed food items.
- Practice aerobic exercise, swimming, cycling, or yoga regularly.
- Create awareness among the population regarding the condition.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common disorder in women of reproductive age. With early diagnosis, it can be controlled properly and lead a normal lifestyle.
