Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS may have a hormonal imbalance, irregular periods (in less than 21 days or more than 35-45days), No periods at all, or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop tiny cysts on one or both ovaries and fail to release eggs regularly during PCOS.
According to many experts, genetic predisposition and environmental factors, such as diet, exercise, and lifestyle, can contribute to symptoms of PCOS. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms typically appear around puberty, although in other women, they may not appear until late adolescence or early adulthood. If you’re obese, your PCOS symptoms and indicators may likely be more severe.
5 Common PCOS Symptoms
- You don’t get Regular Periods
Females of reproductive age face irregularity in their monthly menstrual cycle while suffering from PCOS. There can be the possibility of the missing period cycle, No periods at all (Amenorrhea), longer than 35 days between periods almost every time(Oligomenorrhea), or any other issue with periods.
- Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common issue faced by the female with PCOS. Insulin resistance, in which the body has trouble removing glucose from the bloodstream and converting it to energy, maybe the cause. Therefore, to maintain a normal blood sugar level, the body must create more insulin. To maintain normal blood sugar levels, the body gradually starts to produce too much insulin. High blood insulin levels and insulin resistance are mentioned as major contributors to obesity. Extra insulin may boost the production of androgen, making ovulation challenging.
- Acne, hair fall, oily skin
Hormonal imbalance (excess androgen) stimulates the production of oil in the skin, and someone with PCOS can have Hair fall, oily skin, or acne on their face, back, neck, and chest. The ovaries produce abnormally high levels of androgen, resulting in hirsutism and acne. Acne and hirsutism are caused by the ovaries’ unusually high amounts of androgen production.
- Excess hair growth
PCOS sufferers females can have a lot of hair on the face (side locks & chin especially) and chest. The growth of hair follicles is more strongly stimulated than usual by androgen hormones. As a result, you may get black, thick hair where you previously would have had peach fuzz (normal hair on the face).
- Anxiety and depression, Mood Swings
Throughout the body, inflammation is associated with PCOS. Long-lasting inflammation can lead to hormonal imbalance and raise cortisol levels, which worsens stress and depression. Moreover, mood swings and anxiety symptoms are more common in PCOS patients who have low serotonin levels. Additionally, polycystic ovaries are stimulated to create androgens by inflammation, which can cause issues with the heart and blood vessels.
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, we do know that many of the changes related to the disorder are caused by an imbalance of the endocrine system. The following is a list of factors that are strongly associated with PCOS:
- excess insulin
- low-grade inflammation
- genetics
- high levels of androgen production by ovaries
Complications of PCOS can include: Infertility, diabetes, fat accumulation in the liver, cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, Sleep apnea, eating disorders, mental health problems, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometrial cancer, and so on.
How to know when to seek medical attention-
Consult a medical professional if you have questions about your menstrual cycles, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, or if any of the signs listed above applies to you.
PCOS can be managed and treated by weight loss, diet modification, and lifestyle changes. The highly balanced and nutritive Ayurvedic diet is the best solution to manage and minimize the impact of PCOS.
The Vedique Diet Programme by Dr. Shikha Sharma provides a personalized PCOS Management Programme to help treat PCOS, decrease weight gain, and stimulate weight loss. A well-balanced Ayurvedic diet can help you overcome PCOS and its Symptoms.
