Are you someone experiencing irregular periods and unexplainable weight gain?

Worried of what might be the reasons?

After examining all these symptoms you might be struggling to understand why your body seems to be working against you ?

Well.. that’s PCOS , a condition that can cause huge alterations into your life .

Not only your physical wellness but it can also exert its impact also on your emotional and mental well being.

Thinking of ways to manage it ? Well ..for that you need to gain an awareness about symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment for PCOS.

Your trusted partner in health, Karetrip will delineate everything that you need to know about PCOS and supports you throughout your journey.

PCOS and its Causes

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that disrupts the normal ovulation process. Several factors are responsible for PCOS

• Hormonal Imbalances

If there is an inflation in the Androgen level , there could be a disruption of the menstrual cycle. Also if there is an elevation in the insulin level produced by pancreas ovaries tend to overproduce androgen. Such imbalances in the level of hormones lead to conditions like PCOS.

• Genetic Factors

Conditions like PCOS are more likely to occur in women who have a family history of this disease.

• Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

These factors have an instrumental role in an individual's life. With an unbalanced diet and lack of regular physical activity, it would be difficult to manage PCOS. Watch your diet and your body if you wish to combat PCOS.

Symptoms of PCOS

The symptoms exhibited by women having PCOS differ between one another. Common symptoms include:=

• Irregular Periods

Irregularity in the menstrual cycle is one of the crucial symptoms that most women with PCOS go through. Their period cycle might be more than 35 days long or less than eight per year.

• Excess Androgen Levels

Some may possess androgen, the male hormone in excess amount. The presence of androgen in excessive quantity can be responsible for showing male sexual characteristics like excess hair growth on the face, chest, hoarse voice etc

• Weight Gain

PCOS can often result in unexplainable weight.

• Infertility

One of the leading causes of infertility in the woman is PCOS due to ovulatory dysfunction.

• Skin Problems

Women tend to have dark skin around regions of the neck or in the groin or beneath the breasts. These issues are due to the fluctuations in hormone level.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing PCOS typically requires a medical history, a physical exam and diagnostic tests. This may include

Blood tests: To evaluate hormone levels and to test for elevated androgens.

Ultrasound: Ovaries may be observed and cysts looked for to determine if ovulation is occurring.

OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test): This is said to help us understand whether the person has developed insulin resistance or not, as this is a common condition under the PCOS domain amongst women.

Treatment Options

There is no single treatment for PCOS, and treatment must be individualized, depending on the severity of symptoms, the woman's age, and her reproductive needs. Managing obesity involves many steps, including lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes medical procedures.

1. Lifestyle Adjustments

Adjusting your lifestyle is usually the first step in managing PCOS successfully with significant positive impact on symptoms

• Food and Nutrition

Focus on low-glycemic foods. Foods like whole grains, leafy greens, legumes, and lean proteins keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable.

1. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, nuts, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation.

2. Exercise control: Maintaining a healthy diet of small, frequent meals can help you lose weight and prevent blood sugar fluctuations.

• Exercise

Activities such as walking, swimming, or biking promote heart health and improve insulin sensitivity.Includes strength training in your daily routine which is beneficial; in Increasing muscle mass increases metabolism and aids weight loss.

• Managing Stress

Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, meditation, etc. can help reduce stress.

• Adequate Sleep

Sleep is important for maintaining hormonal balance. Reducing your caffeine intake during the day and following a regular bedtime routine will help you sleep better.

2. Medications

When lifestyle changes alone are not enough, medication is an important part of PCOS management.

• Hormonal Birth Control

Hormonal pills aid in regulating menstrual cycles, cutting down androgen levels, and tackle acne and excessive hair growth.

• Anti-Androgen Medications

Medicines like spironolactone, flutamide block the effects of androgens, lessening excessive hair growth and acne.

3. Advanced Medical Procedures

For some women, drugs alone may not provide enough relief. Medical procedures may be recommended in these cases.Ovarian Drilling,a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure which involves puncturing the ovaries through small holes to decrease androgen production and enhance ovulation.

4. Alternative and Complementary Therapies

Many women explore alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments to manage PCOS symptoms. Spearmint tea, cinnamon, and chasteberry are popular herbs used by women with PCOS to manage it.

The efficacy of using such herbs to alleviate PCOS is still under research.Using probiotics to improve your gut health may positively impact metabolic and hormonal imbalances.

5. Holistic Care

PCOS also has profound emotional and psychological impacts.

• Counseling and Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage anxiety and depression linked to PCOS.

• Support Groups

Sharing experiences with others who have PCOS can provide emotional relief and practical advice.

• Journaling

Maintaining a symptom and mood journal can help track progress and identify triggers for stress or symptom flare-ups.