Unveiling PCOS Causes and Other Health Conditions Linked With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects women.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 116 million women worldwide (about 3.4% of all women) are estimated to have PCOS.
PCOS can cause many symptoms, such as irregular periods and fertility problems.
Beyond this, it can also influence various other health conditions that require proper attention.
This article will delve into the roots of PCOS and help affected women to know the potential health concerns related to the problem.
Continue reading to learn some lifestyle modifications to manage womenâs health effectively.
Infertility
PCOS can cause problems with hormones, including having too much of certain male hormones like Testosterone.
These hormonal imbalances can make it difficult for the ovaries to release eggs regularly or sometimes not release them at all.
The ovaries in women with PCOS may have small cysts that prevent the release of mature eggs during ovulation.
A woman who is not ovulating will have a hard time getting pregnant.
Though, with proper treatment and medications, you can increase the chance of boosting fertility.
Body pain
Moderate pain in the legs, thighs, and back is common during menstruation.
People with PCOS may experience more regular episodes of body pain.
PCOS-related pain can be felt in the neck, back, legs, pelvic, and joints.
Chronic inflammation is often responsible for this increased pain in PCOS.
A study found that PCOS patients experience more pain compared to healthy individuals.
Obesity and infertility may contribute to the pain experienced by PCOS patients.
Anxiety and depression
A study published in The National Library of Medicine examined the mental health of women with PCOS.
The research discovers that women with the condition have more anxiety and depression.
Factors like living in rural areas, having no access to education, being childless, and obesity raise the anxiety and depression levels.
It was found that women with PCOS have a low ability to bounce back from challenges and use passive ways to cope with stress.
Women with PCOS need to be aware of how to handle stress and take care of their mental health. This can help in their treatment.
Irregular periods
Irregular periods are often the first sign that something may be wrong with your hormones, indicating a possible symptom of PCOS.
Some women with PCOS have delayed periods, which goes above 35 days.
In some cases, periods are completely missed, skipped, or they are completely absent.
Many PCOS patients have also reported that they get periods for only ten or less days in a year.
Some women with PCOS also have problems with ovulation. In some cases, the ovaries fail to release an egg.
Insulin resistance
The pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that allows cells to use sugar as energy.
High blood sugar levels result from insulin resistance. This occurs when cells stop responding to insulin’s actions.
Dark, velvety patches of skin may indicate insulin resistance. Common target areas include the groin, armpits, or beneath the breasts.
Due to high insulin levels, the body may produce excessive androgens, which are male hormones.
A study published by The National Health of Medicine suggested that PCOS is associated with significant insulin resistance.
According to this research, about 50% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. It is due to excessive Serine Phosphorylation of the insulin receptor.
It was found that PCOS-related insulin resistance triggers Type 2 Diabetes in women.
The study concluded that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome women may be at higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to insulin resistance.
Weight gain
Women with PCOS are mostly insulin resistant, which results in weight gain.
Weight gain and obesity also contribute to the development of the condition.
According to research, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is linked with increased weight.
PCOS makes it difficult to lose or maintain weight through lifestyle changes.
Factors like mental health issues and lack of physical activity can contribute to weight gain.
Recommended reading:PCOS Weight Gain: Breaking the Cycle and Restoring Balance
Hair loss
Hair loss is a common sign of PCOS.
PCOS can cause excess hormones, leading to acne, hair thinning, and hair loss.
Hair may become weak, dull, easily breakable, dry, and damaged.
Female pattern baldness is the term for hair loss in women with PCOS.
Treating hair loss in PCOS can be difficult.
Some women with PCOS may also experience hair loss in the front and side areas of the scalp.
Hair may become thinner in the parting area.
Balancing hormone levels is essential to address hair loss.
Other medical conditions
Some other health conditions PCOS can cause are listed below:
- Diabetes or prediabetes (glucose intolerance)
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Unhealthy cholesterol
- Endometrial cancer
- Sleep apnea
Lifestyle modifications for PCOS
Making specific lifestyle changes can significantly help manage PCOS symptoms and improve your overall health.
You can do essential things to modify your lifestyle to treat PCOS.
Here are some key aspects of lifestyle modifications that can help with PCOS treatment.
Sleep management
Getting good sleep is essential for balancing hormones and staying healthy.
You can improve your sleep by following a regular sleep schedule, making your sleeping area calm and comfortable.
Avoid screen time before bed, and ensure you get enough sleep every night.
Well-balanced diet
Eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for managing PCOS.
It’s best to eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Try to avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and sugary drinks.
Exercise
You must focus on workouts that combine strength training and cardiovascular exercise when practicing for PCOS.
Perform the activities that get your heart pumping, such as yoga, pilates, and light cardio.
It can help make your body more sensitive to insulin, control weight, and balance hormones.
Stress management
Feeling stressed can make PCOS symptoms worse.
To help manage stress and feel better, you can try different techniques.
Some examples are practicing mindfulness by focusing on the present moment, taking deep breaths to relax, doing yoga, or enjoying activities you like.
It is essential to maintain regular lifestyle adjustments over a period of time because they only sometimes have an immediate effect.
Conclusion
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting women worldwide.
PCOS can cause many health conditions, such as infertility, hair loss, bodily pain, anxiety, and depression.
It can also lead to irregular periods, insulin resistance, weight gain, and other related problems.
A detailed approach is needed to manage PCOS, including lifestyle changes involving improved sleep, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and using stress-reduction practices.
By making these changes, women with PCOS can take control of their health and effectively manage the condition.
Seek the help of medical experts for valuable guidance and confidently navigate the journey.
Embrace your uniqueness and believe in your strength to overcome any obstacles that PCOS may bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PCOS affect mental health?
PCOS can affect your feelings and mental health. It can lead to an increase in the rate of stress, anxiety, and depression. PCOS causes a decrease in self-esteem. Therefore, managing the condition and seeking the doctor’s support is crucial.
What does PCOS do to a woman?
A woman’s body may experience many different kinds of problems from PCOS. It may cause insulin resistance, excessive hair growth, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, and problems with fertility.
What is the best exercise for PCOS?
The most practical activities for PCOS weight loss include doing exercises that combine cardio (like walking) with strength training (such as yoga). These types of exercises can be effective in helping you lose weight if you have PCOS.
What is the role of insulin in PCOS?
A hormone that PCOS can influence is insulin. High insulin levels can result from insulin resistance, in which cells lose their ability to respond to the hormone. This may interfere with the hormone balance and increase PCOS symptoms, including irregular ovulation and high levels of androgen production.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
