Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common health problem that can affect teenage girls and women . It seems to be related life style changes and more common in urban than rural areas. However nowadays it is seen in both the affluent as well as the lower middle class population too. Basically caused due to an imbalance in hormones resulting in irregular cycles, signs and symptoms of hyper androgenemia ie excess of male hormones in the body along with weight fluctuations. If not treated or looked into on time it can result in lots of problems related to fertility as well as other metabolic issues.
Women with PCOS are more likely to have infertility, excessive hair growth ( hirsutism ), acne, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes . A key sign of PCOS is irregular or missed periods . Often there is also darkened, thickened skin around the neck, armpits, or breasts this is called acanthosis nigricans which is a sign of insulin resistance, again a common thing seen with patients of PCOS.
After a thorough medical history and investigation along with a physical examination, which includes checking your weight, checking for physical signs such as acne, hair growth, and darkened skin and a a gynecologic examination to rule out other possible causes , a diagnosis is reached and treatment started.
Weight loss and lifestyle changes for the obese PCOs can be very effective in lessening many of the health conditions associated with PCOS, causing many of the symptoms to disappear or become less severe. Along with this hormonal medicines are also often prescribed to take care of the insulin resistance, irregular cycle and hirsuitism.
The good news is that, although there’s no cure for PCOS, it can be treated. The most important step is diagnosing the condition, treating and maintaining the same; because getting treatment for PCOS reduces a female’s chances of having serious side effects, abnormal bleeding from the uterus, and cancer and other metabolic issues.
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