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PCOS or Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that affects women and girls of reproductive age. 

Women with PCOS may have irregular or prolonged menstrual periods and excess androgen levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid and fail to regularly release eggs.

Besides menstrual cycle change, PCOS may cause skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne, cysts in the ovaries and infertility. It could also cause problems with metabolism.

Symptoms

• irregular periods or no periods at all
• difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or failure to ovulate)
• excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks

• weight gain
• thinning hair and hair loss from the head
• oily skin or acne

You should talk to your GP if you have any of these symptoms and think you may have PCOS.

Causes

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes PCOS. They believe that high levels of male hormones prevent the ovaries from producing hormones and making eggs normally.

Genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation have all been linked to excess androgen production.

Risk Factors

Having PCOS can increase your chances of developing other health problems in later life.

For example, women with PCOS are at increased risk of developing:

Type 2 diabetes – a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high

Depression and Mood Swings – because the symptoms of PCOS can affect your confidence and self-esteem

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol – which can lead to heart disease and stroke

Sleep Apnoea – overweight women may also develop sleep apnoea, a condition that causes interrupted breathing during sleep

Women who have had absent or very irregular periods (fewer than 3 or 4 periods a year) for many years have a higher than average risk of developing cancer of the womb lining (endometrial cancer).

Coping up

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help decrease the effects of PCOS. Here are some things you can do:

Maintain a healthy weight. Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation. Ask your doctor about a weight-control program, and meet regularly with a dietitian for help in reaching weight-loss goals.

Limit carbohydrates. Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets might increase insulin levels. Ask your doctor about a low-carbohydrate diet if you have PCOS. Choose complex carbohydrates, which raise your blood sugar levels more slowly.

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.

References: Healthline/NHS

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Important Reminder: Any type of food supplement is not a medicine and cannot be used as a medicine for any type of disease.