2023-06-29 13:34:11
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common health problems facing millions of women around the world. It is a problem that may cause a decrease in a woman’s ability to conceive and have children in several cases, as well as other repercussions and symptoms related to acne, diabetes and sleep apnea.
And according to what was stated on the “Mayo Clinic” website, which specializes in health affairs and is affiliated with the well-known American “Mayo Clinic” hospital; Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that is common among women in their childbearing years. And if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome, it means that your menstrual cycle may be irregular, or it may be longer. It could also be that the level of androgen hormone is elevated in your body.
Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to the formation of a large number of small, fluid-filled sacs on the outer edge of the ovary. They are referred to as “cysts”. These small sacs called “follicles” contain immature eggs, and they are unable to release eggs regularly, which leads to infertility and the inability to conceive.
Consulting a doctor is one of the pillars of detecting and treating ovarian cysts
Symptoms of polycystic ovaries
Symptoms of polycystic ovarian cysts often begin with the approach of the first menstrual cycle. Symptoms may also appear at a later stage and after several cycles. Noting that symptoms may vary from woman to woman.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is diagnosed when you notice at least two of the following signs:
Irregular menstrual cycles: Lack of or irregular menstrual cycles is a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. The same applies to menstrual cycles that last more days or longer than usual. High levels of the hormone androgen: These high levels may lead to increased facial and body hair growth, and this condition is called “hirsutism.” In some cases, severe acne and male pattern baldness may appear as well. Ovarian cyst: Your ovaries may be large, and many follicles containing immature eggs may grow around the edge of the ovary. This means that the ovaries are unable to function as they should.
Signs and symptoms of PCOS can become more severe if you are overweight or obese. Therefore, you should consult a doctor if you suffer from indicators of high androgen levels, as mentioned above, such as acne and hair growth on the face and body. Also, the irregularity of the menstrual cycle is another indication of the need to go to the specialist doctor to determine whether or not you have polycystic ovaries.
What are the causes of polycystic ovaries?
Every woman wants to know the exact reason behind this problem that upsets her life and makes her suffer from major problems such as pregnancy. However, the sources of the Mayo Clinic and other medical sources indicate that the main cause of polycystic ovary syndrome cannot be known.
Lose weight by following a healthy diet and exercising to treat polycystic ovaries
However, some factors may cause this syndrome, including:
Insulin resistance: It is a problem related to the insulin secreted by the pancreas, which allows the cells of the body to consume sugar, which is the main source of energy in your body. When the cells become resistant to the action of insulin, blood sugar levels rise, which can cause the body to produce more insulin in an attempt to lower the blood sugar level.
Excess insulin may lead to the body producing too much of the male androgen hormone; Which means ovulation problems. Among the indicators of insulin resistance, the appearance of dark, velvety patches on the skin in the lower part of the neck, armpits, groin, or under the breasts, in addition to an increase in appetite for food and weight gain.
Low-grade inflammation: White blood cells produce certain substances when you have an infection or a wound. This reaction is called low-grade inflammation. Research shows that women with polycystic ovary syndrome develop a form of long-term low-grade inflammation. It causes the polycystic ovaries to secrete androgens. This can lead to problems with the heart and blood vessels. Heredity: According to studies, there is a possibility that certain genes are associated with PCOS. Having a family history of PCOS may play a role in your development. Hyperandrogenism: In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the ovaries can produce high amounts of androgens. This increase affects ovulation. This means that the eggs do not grow regularly and are not released from the follicles in which they grow. Hyperandrogenism may also lead to hirsutism and acne.
What happens if ovarian cyst and its symptoms are not treated?
In this case, the woman may develop a set of complications; On top of which are infertility, gestational diabetes or high blood pressure as a result of pregnancy, spontaneous abortion or premature delivery, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, metabolic syndrome; It is a group of medical conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, bad cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and endometrial cancer. Obesity often exacerbates PCOS disorders.
Symptoms of ovarian cyst is one of the most common problems in women
How to treat polycystic ovaries
A woman who suffers from complications of polycystic ovaries undergoes a set of examinations required by the specialist doctor. This includes a physical exam to check for signs of excessive hair growth, insulin resistance and acne.
After that, the doctor may recommend a pelvic exam. Where the doctor examines the genitals for any lumps, tumors, or other changes. blood tests that can measure hormone levels; In addition to other blood tests to measure levels of cholesterol and triglycerides while fasting, a glucose tolerance test to measure your body’s response to sugar (glucose), and ultrasound to check the shape of your ovaries and the thickness of your uterine lining.
In the event that the tests confirm that you have polycystic ovaries, the treatment prescribed by the doctor may include some medications to regulate the menstrual cycle and help you restore ovulation and pregnancy, including birth control pills.
The doctor may also recommend changes in your lifestyle to lose weight. By following a low-calorie diet and moderate exercise. Even if you succeed in losing a little weight, such as losing 5% of your body weight, for example, this may improve your condition. Losing weight can also make the medications your doctor recommends for PCOS more effective, and it can help treat infertility.
Nutrition experts, including Dr. Carla Habib Murad, advise you to focus on protein if you feel very hungry because of your polycystic ovaries. And the nutritionist indicates on her Instagram page that you can eat even protein that contains carbohydrates, with each of your meals. And in the event that you suffer from flatulence due to too much protein, Murad advises you to eat all boiled vegetables.
To reduce excessive hair growth or relieve acne, your doctor may recommend medications such as birth control pills that reduce excess androgen production; topical creams, laser hair removal or electrolysis; And treat acne problem, through some topical medications and creams.
In conclusion, the problem of polycystic ovaries is a common condition among many women. But treating it and alleviating its complications is possible, especially if you quickly detect this syndrome, and follow the instructions of the specialist doctor regarding drug treatments and lifestyle changes to lose weight, which is an obstacle behind your ability to get pregnant and have children.
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