What is PCOS, it's cause and treatment?

What Is PCOS: Its Cause and Treatment

What Is PCOS: Its Cause and Treatment

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting those of reproductive age (around 5–18 %) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. It’s characterised by hormone imbalances that can impair ovulation, cause irregular periods, and lead to wider health issues.

📌 What Is PCOS?

PCOS involves the development of many small follicles (“cysts”) in the ovaries alongside elevated androgens and irregular ovulation :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Key features:

  • Polycystic ovaries: numerous immature follicles visible via ultrasound.
  • Hyperandrogenism: excess male hormones leading to acne, hirsutism, and hair thinning.
  • Ovulatory dysfunction: infrequent, irregular, or absent menstrual cycles.

✔️ What Causes PCOS?

PCOS is a multifactorial syndrome with strong genetic and environmental links :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}:

  • Genetics: runs in families; inheritance appears polygenic :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
  • Insulin resistance: present in up to 70 % of women with PCOS—excess insulin stimulates androgen production :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
  • Chronic inflammation: low-grade inflammation may exacerbate androgen increases :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
  • Environmental factors: such as endocrine disruptors or prenatal androgen exposure, may also play a role :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

🩺 Common PCOS Symptoms

Symptoms often begin around menarche, but can appear later:

  • Irregular periods (fewer than 8 per year or none at all)
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Hirsutism—unwanted facial/body hair
  • Acne and oily skin
  • Weight gain or difficulty with weight loss
  • Male-pattern baldness
  • Infertility or difficulties conceiving
  • Thickened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)

📋 Diagnosing PCOS

Diagnosis follows the Rotterdam criteria—at least two of:

  • Clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism
  • Ovulatory dysfunction
  • Polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or elevated AMH levels :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Other conditions—like thyroid disease, hyperprolactinaemia, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or androgen-producing tumours—must be excluded first :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

⚕️ PCOS Management & Treatment

Though there is no cure, PCOS is highly manageable through a combination of lifestyle, medication, and symptom-based treatments:

Lifestyle Interventions

  • Weight loss (5–15 %) can improve insulin sensitivity, menstrual regularity, androgen levels, and fertility :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
  • Balanced diet—low-GI, Mediterranean-style, reducing refined carbs and inflammatory foods :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
  • Regular exercise—both aerobic and strength training—to combat insulin resistance :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Medications

  • Combined oral contraceptives: first-line for regularising cycles, reducing acne/hirsutism.
  • Metformin: improves insulin resistance, can restore ovulation :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
  • Anti‑androgens: like spironolactone help reduce hair growth and acne.
  • Fertility drugs: clomiphene or letrozole to stimulate ovulation.
  • Assisted reproduction: IVF or ovarian drilling for resistant cases :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

Symptom Relief

  • Hair removal options: laser, electrolysis, topical eflornithine.
  • Acne treatments: topical retinoids, oral medication if needed.
  • Skin and mental–health support: address self‑image, anxiety, depression associated with PCOS :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

📫 FAQs About PCOS

Q1. Is there a cure for PCOS?

No permanent cure—but symptoms can be managed effectively through lifestyle and medical treatment.

Q2. Can I still become pregnant?

Yes—weight management and ovulation drugs help many achieve pregnancy. IVF is available if needed.

Q3. Do all women with PCOS have cysts on ovaries?

No; cysts may be absent even when hormonal and ovulatory symptoms are present :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

Q4. Should I be screened for diabetes or heart disease?

Yes. PCOS increases risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia—regular metabolic monitoring is advised :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Q5. Can mental health be affected?

Absolutely. PCOS is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders—mental‑health screening and support are essential :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

🔑 Final Takeaway

PCOS is a complex but treatable condition. A holistic, multidisciplinary approach—combining diet, exercise, medication, cosmetic and emotional care—can significantly improve symptoms and long‑term health.

For further reading, explore our guides on mood‑boosting strategies and sleep & depression.

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