Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms

December 13, 2024

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms is an imbalance of hormones. In particular, this hormonal imbalance takes place during the years of reproduction. As a result, the amount of androgen present in the body may increase to an unusual level. Additionally, sometimes the male hormones, known as testosterone, are present in higher levels. Females with PCOS develop small fluid sacs within the outer edge of the ovary. These sacs, which are the cysts, can also create problems in conceiving pregnancy. Furthermore, these cysts contain immature eggs, known as follicles.

 

Read More: PCOS) and Pregnancy

The reason or cause of PCOS is still unclear. However, if diagnosed at an early stage, it can save one from various problems in the future. Although the cause is unidentified, it can be diagnosed through symptoms.

Now, we will learn the symptoms of PCOS that help in treatment.

Symptoms of PCOS

Symptoms of PCOS can be identified at the initial stage of menstrual periods or the age of adolescence. Sometimes the symptoms seen as the age grows. The symptoms of PCOS vary and depend upon the body type. PCOS can be identified if there are two of these three symptoms:

Abnormal periods: Irregular periods or skipped periods are common signs of PCOS. Also periods that stay longer than usual or heavy bleeding are clear symptoms. PCOS women get around 8 periods per year or period for 35 days. This can cause issues in conceiving pregnancy.

High amount of androgen: Excessive amount of androgen hormone can lead to severe hair fall or make the scalp bald. This condition is known as hirsutism. Similarly, extreme growth of hair mostly on the facial and body can be seen.

Polycystic Ovaries: Ovaries may change the shape like it might become bigger. Follicles develop immature eggs around the brim of Ovary. The ovary may not function in the way it should.

Complications in the body due to PCOS

  • Infertility or delay in pregnancy.
  • Extreme bleeding during periods.
  • The Period lasts more than 7 days.
  • Acne and pimples may develop on the face, back or chest.
  • Due to the extreme level of male hormones i.e., testosterone, it makes the skin oily and can be the reason for pimples and acne.
  • The hormonal imbalance doesn’t work properly that leads to various health conditions.
  • Overweight of the body that is difficult to lose.
  • Extreme growth of hair at unwanted areas like facial hair growth. Testosterone is the reason for heavy facial and body hair growth.
  • Also extreme hair fall makes the scalp bald and thinner.
  • Darker or hard skin tags that can be noticed around the neckline, armpits, groin or under the breast.
  • High sugar levels that find it difficult to turn normal are also said to be insulin resistance.

Can PCOS affect fertility?

Unfortunately, yes, PCOS can have a severe effect on infertility. However, sometimes a woman can conceive even if she has PCOS. Although most cases of PCOS come with the issue of delayed conception or pregnancy failures, it is important to note that some women may still conceive. Females with PCOS have a condition of hormonal imbalance. Given key factors are reasons of how PCOS affect infertility:

  • Outer shells of the ovaries become hard and thin.
  • High blood sugar in the body or high level of insulin.
  • The small, fluid sacs known as cyst  developed in the ovaries.
  • High amount of androgen hormones.

Some of the common healthy lifestyle tips to balance PCOS

  • Healthy food and a balanced diet.
  • Full of protein and fibres makes the diet more  wholesome.
  • Daily exercise helps to stimulate the ovaries.
  • Quitting smoking and consumption of alcohol.
  • Reduced intake of caffeine.
  • Some of the medicines that help to balance the hormones.

IVF and PCOS are related?

Females having PCOS can face difficulty in conceiving pregnancy. Moreover, trying for years and still unsuccessful can lead to disappointment. In such cases, IVF plays a vital role in life. It is said that IVF treatment in India is way better and cost-effective than other western nations. IVF is not just a treatment for a single day; it is a long procedure which takes several months. IVF treatment in India helps the couples who are facing infertility, that too with the cause of PCOS.

PCOS is not curable till now. However, a few healthy lifestyle changes can be a game-changer. Some medicines that treat the hormonal changes and functions help to stimulate the ovaries, so that they can release mature eggs and later it can be fertilized in labs.

Summary

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of hormones. This hormonal imbalance takes place during the years of reproduction. As a result, the amount of androgen present in the body may increase to an unusual level.

Symptoms of PCOS can be identified at the initial stage of menstrual periods or the age of adolescence.

PCOS is not curable till now. However, a few healthy lifestyle changes can be a game changer. Doctors will first try to treat the PCOS with primary treatment then if unable to conceive then IVF is advisable.