Let’s look deeper at polycystic ovarian syndrome, its symptoms, diagnosis, and how to get treatment when diagnosed with it.
What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It occurs when they produce more male hormones than is required. It can also be defined as a hormonal disorder that causes the ovaries to enlarge and have small cysts on the outer edge. The hormonal imbalance causes some skipped periods in women and can sometimes make one infertile. PCOS could also result in other complications such as abdominal pains and miscarriages in the event of pregnancy.
PCOS can cause women have some male characters such as baldness, the growth of hair on the face among others.
Symptoms of PCOS
More often than not, most women realize that they have Pcos after they have had their first period. However, it is possible to realize that you have Pcos after being unable to conceive. Common symptoms of this condition include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Male-pattern baldness
- Darkening of the skin
- Acne
- Headaches
- Hair growth on the face
Diagnosis and Treatment
Ideally, there is no specific test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor might through your medical history and could take you through a series of questions about your menstrual periods, weight gain, among others. You may then get an appropriate recommendation which could include the following:
- Blood tests: An analysis of your blood may be done to measure the level of hormones in your body.
- A pelvic exam: Manually and visually inspect your reproductive organs to see whether there are growths, masses, among other abnormalities.
- An ultrasound: This inspects thickness of the lining of the uterus and the appearance of the ovaries.
In case any of these tests show that you could have Pcos, you may have additional tests done for other complications. These include:
- Screening for obstructive sleep apnea
- Screening for depression and anxiety
- Periodic checks for blood pressure and glucose tolerance
Treatment
Treatment of PCOS focuses on managing your concern areas, which may include acne, obesity, infertility, and hirsutism. Such treatment entails:
- Lifestyle changes: This includes practices such as maintaining a healthy weight, being active and limiting carbohydrates
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate your periods, reduce excess hair growth and cause you to ovulate
- Clinical appointments: You might have several clinical appointments where your doctor will monitor your progress.
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another.
Content intended for educational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.
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Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: mayoclinic, mayoclinic, healthline, betterhealth
