How to Manage PCOS
PCOS is an anonym for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is a condition that affects most women during their child bearing age, thereby, affecting their hormonal levels
Women with PCOS produce higher than normal male hormones which could cause period irregularities and affect their chance of being pregnant.
PCOS affects up to 27% of women during their child bearing years, mostly between the ages of 16- 44 years. Most women do not know they have this condition until it affects other aspects of their health. An early consultation with your physician is advised, so you can be able to manage the condition properly before it worsen.
Women with PCOS are advised to give birth so that it will eradiate the chances of having cancer (although, this is a long cause effect if not managed properly)
Causes of PCOS
Most doctors do not know the exact cause of this syndrome and believes the high levels of male hormones present as a result of this syndrome affects the ovaries from making hormones and egg normally. Research has shown that factors like gene, insulin resistance and inflammation play a huge role in contributing to this condition. It is believed that PCOS is hereditary.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Experiencing irregular period
- Experience bleeding and spotting few days after your cycle
- Oiler skin than usual leading to acne or breakout on the face, chest and back.
- Excessive weight gain or struggle with obesity
- Increase in stomach as a result of weight gain
- Fall out of hair on the scalp
- Heavy bleeding due to irregular period (This doesn’t happen to everyone)
- Darkening of the skin, dark patches formed in body places like the neck, under the breast and groin
- Hair growth at your back, chin, jaw, stomach and chest
Managing P.C.O.S
PCOS can be managed through:
- Weight loss/ weight maintenance diet and lifestyle can help improve the chances of getting pregnant.
- Prescribed birth control pills can help restore menstrual cycle to normal.
- Hormonal drugs. Your physician prescribed the drugs and monitor the changes and improvements. Sometimes they give you a drug and tell you to come back exactly 3 months. After 3 months, he gives another one and tell you to come back after 6 months to observe the changes.
- Hair removal medication can help get rid of unwanted hair grown on the chin and belly areas.
- Surgery and fertility medications as prescribed by physicians can help improve chances of getting pregnant.
