A condition marked by infertility, enlarged ovaries, menstrual problems, high levels of male hormones, excess hair on the face and body, acne, and obesity. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and endometrial cancer
Symptoms of PCOS
The following features are indicative of PCOS:
heavy feeling in the pelvis
pain in the lower abdomen
bleeding from the vagina
weight gain or loss
abnormal periods
unexplained back pain that gets worse
gas
nausea
vomiting
loss of appetite
irregular periods
excess androgen
polycystic ovaries
It is possible that PCOS shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of PCOS
The following are the most common causes of PCOS:
genetic mutation
excess insulin
low-grade inflammation
high levels of androgen
Risk Factors for PCOS
The following factors may increase the likelihood of PCOS:
mutation in the CYP21 gene
ages 50 to 60 years
smoking
use of an intrauterine device
fertility treatment
estrogen hormone replacement therapy
family history
obesity
Prevention of PCOS
Yes, it may be possible to prevent PCOS. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
maintain a healthy weight
limit carbohydrates
regular exercise
Occurrence of PCOS
Number of Cases
The following are the number of PCOS cases seen each year worldwide:
Common between 1 - 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
PCOS most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 20-50 years
Common Gender
PCOS most commonly occurs in the following gender:
Female
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of PCOS
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect PCOS:
Pelvic examination: To look for abnormalities in the genital
Blood test: To measure hormone levels
Ultrasound: To see the appearance of the ovaries and the thickness of the lining of the uterus
Doctor for Diagnosis of PCOS
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of PCOS:
Gynecologist
General practitioner
Endocrinologist
Complications of PCOS if untreated
Yes, PCOS causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if PCOS is left untreated:
can be fatal
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
cholesterol and lipid abnormalities
metabolic syndrome
nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
infertility
sleep apnea
depression
anxiety
abnormal uterine bleeding
Self-care for PCOS
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of PCOS:
Maintain a healthy weight: Weight loss can reduce insulin and androgen levels and may restore ovulation
Consume limit carbohydrates in diet: Helps in keeping the blood sugar levels in control
Regularly exercise: Helps in keeping the lower blood sugar levels
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of PCOS
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of PCOS:
Physical therapy: Exercise help in reducing blood sugar levels