Introduction
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome condition has become a major issue in women. Therefore, the reason I chose PCOS disorder for research is that recent causes of low fertility and increased masculine symptoms such as increased levels of male hormones in women have become prevalent. On the same note, women have suffered cases of low or no menstrual periods. As such, this has caused panic among women as some even experience depression and anxiety. Therefore, I preferred this study since it is crucial in demystifying the cause of such undesired disorders in women. Moreover, it provides remedies to help in curbing such conditions.
Background of PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a widespread disorder with a variety of reproductive and general health consequences. When the ovaries produce an excessive amount of androgens—male sex hormones that are typically predominant in extremely small amounts in women a PCOS condition manifests (Watson, 2021). The development of numerous cysts in the ovary that are filled with fluid is known as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Nevertheless, certain women with this illness do not produce cysts, while others do. The condition is nonetheless the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women in their 20s and 30s when they are trying to get pregnant.
Causes of PCOS
PCOS often appears as a mix of menstrual abnormalities and hyperandrogenism. As a result, it is connected with increased levels of androgens, which are masculine hormones. Elevated testosterone levels inhibit ovulation, resulting in inconsistent menstrual periods (Khan et al., 2019). Additionally, irregular ovulation may lead to the formation of fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries. Acne and excessive hair growth are also caused by an overabundance of androgen in women. Furthermore, insulin resistance is a contributing factor since high concentrations of insulin levels stimulate the ovaries to produce and discharge androgens.
Consequently, increased male hormone inhibits ovulation and contributes to other PCOS symptoms. Conversely, insulin facilitates the body’s use of glucose for energy. Therefore, insulin resistance occurs when the body is unable to digest insulin properly, resulting in elevated glucose levels in the blood (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), 2021). Furthermore, obesity may lead to insulin resistance and even if blood glucose levels are regular, an increased insulin level may suggest its resistance. In addition to chronic low-grade inflammation, chronic low-grade inflammation is a causal factor for PCOS, since patients with PCOS are likely to have this condition.
Symptoms
Period irregularity is one of the most prevalent PCOS symptoms where a lack of ovulation hinders the monthly removal of the uterine lining. Some women with PCOS have less than eight or maybe no periods per year (Ajmal et al., 2019). In addition, it is connected with excessive bleeding in which the uterine lining accumulates over a prolonged time, resulting in heavier-than-usual periods. Watson (2021) stated that more than 70 percent of women with this illness have hair growth on various parts of their bodies. In addition, the disease includes acne manifestation, which is caused by male hormones that make the skin oilier than normal and produce outbreaks on the face, chest, and upper back (Watson, 2021). Lastly, dark skin spots can appear in body crevices like the neck, groin, and under the breasts.
Effects of PCOS on the Body
High androgen levels may have negative effects on fertility and other areas of health. For instance, it may induce infertility since ovulation is required for pregnancy. Additionally, PCOS is one of the primary causes of infertility in women because those who do not ovulate consistently produce fewer eggs that can be fertilized. As many as 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight due to metabolic syndrome (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, 2022). According to Watson (2021) obesity and PCOS, both raise the risk for hyperglycemia, hypertension, low HDL “good” cholesterol, and high LDL “bad” cholesterol. These characteristics raise the likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and sleep apnea (Anagnostis et al., 2018). Equally, this condition causes several breathing interruptions during sleep. According to Watson (2021), sleep apnea is more prevalent in obese women, particularly if they also have PCOS. Sleep apnea is characterized by short breathing pauses that might happen repeatedly during the night.
Nonetheless, the disease might develop into endometrial cancer due to the shedding of the uterine lining during ovulation. If a woman does not ovulate each month, the lining might accumulate. A thicker uterine lining may raise the likelihood of developing endometrial cancer. Further, depression may be related to PCOS since both hormonal changes and symptoms, such as undesirable hair growth, can have a detrimental impact on emotions, causing many PCOS patients to develop despair and anxiety.
Diagnosis of PCOS
Generally, PCOS may be diagnosed after other unusual causes of the same symptoms have been ruled out and testing has been performed. For instance, utilizing an ultrasound test, which uses sound waves and a machine to produce images of blood vessels, organs, and body systems. (Escobar-Morreale, 2018). This procedure is performed to examine the size and presence of cysts on the ovaries. The test may also measure the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium). Conducting further blood tests to detect elevated levels of androgens and other hormones (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, 2022). Similarly, a person’s blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels may be evaluated.
PCOS Treatment
Notably, there is no general therapy for PCOS, hence medication must always be tailored and suited to the specific requirements of each patient. In moderate situations requiring proper monitoring of the patient’s symptoms, treatment may not be required at all. In reality, no medicines are presently licensed for the treatment of PCOS. Targets of pharmacological therapy may include androgen excess, oligoovulation, and insulin resistance; however, lifestyle counseling should be offered in all situations to avoid or cure obesity. Due to the fact that PCOS is a lifelong illness, apart from select secondary situations in which the syndrome may disappear after the resolution, the syndrome cannot be cured. Given that PCOS is a chronic disorder, apart from specific secondary instances in which the syndrome may resolve following the resolution of the inducing aetiological variable, therapies should be long-term, vibrant, and modified to the dynamic environment, individual matters, and preconceptions of the individual patient.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes for Treatment of PCOS
Generally, PCOS treatment begins with lifestyle modifications such as weight reduction, nutrition, and exercise. Five to ten percent of body weight loss may help regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate PCOS symptoms. Weight reduction may also enhance cholesterol concentrations, decrease insulin levels, and minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (Watson, 2021). Similarly, research evaluating PCOS diets has revealed that low-carbohydrate diets are helpful for both weight reduction and insulin reduction. A meal with a low glycemic index that derives the majority of its carbs from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains regulates the menstrual cycle more effectively than a conventional weight control diet (Watson, 2021). Furthermore, at least three times per week, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise may help people with PCOS lose weight. Exercise-induced weight loss also enhances ovulation and insulin levels. In conjunction with a good diet, exercise is much more helpful. A diet with exercise results in more weight loss than either intervention alone and reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Medical Therapies
The menses may be regulated and PCOS indicators like acne and overgrowth of hair can be treated with the use of contraceptives and other medications. By administering progestin daily, a normal hormone equilibrium may be restored, ovulation can be regulated, and endometrial cancer can be prevented. Metformin, a medicine used to address both types of diabetes, can also be utilized to manage PCOS by increasing insulin amounts (Watson, 2021). Furthermore, Metformin increases weight reduction, reduces blood sugar, and re-establishs a regular menstrual cycle more effectively than dietary and activity improvements alone.
Additionally, Clomiphene, a fertility medicine that may help women with PCOS get pregnant, should be used with the knowledge that it raises the likelihood of twins and other multiple births. Similarly, hair removal therapies such as waxing may eliminate unwanted hair or prevent its growth (Escobar-Morreale, 2018). Ultimately, getting surgery to boost fertility may be a possibility if other therapies fail. Thus, using a beam, sterilized needle or ovarian piercing creates small gaps in the ovary that can re-establish normal ovulation.
Conclusion
In summary, I broadly studied the fundamentals of PCOS since the paper provides the disorder’s vast knowledge. For instance, it assisted me in knowing what might interrupt a woman’s menses. In addition, I recognized that high amounts of male hormones cause undesirable symptoms such as facial and body hair development. The research facilitates the adoption of more effective lifestyle therapies for PCOS. Moreover, I learned that diet and aerobic activity are excellent strategies to decrease weight, according to the research. Medications such as both birth control pills and metformin help normalize menstrual periods and alleviate PCOS symptoms.
References
Anagnostis, P., Tarlatzis, B. C., & Kauffman, R. P. (2018). Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): Long-term metabolic consequences. Metabolism, 86, 33–43. Web.
Escobar-Morreale, H. F. (2018). Polycystic ovary syndrome: Definition, aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 14(5), 270–284. Web.
Khan, M. J., Ullah, A., & Basit, S. (2019). Genetic basis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Current perspectives. The Application of Clinical Genetics, 12, 249-260. Web.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): What is it, causes, symptoms & treatment. (2021). Cleveland Clinic. Web.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). (2022). Hopkinsmedicine.org. Web.
Watson, S. (2021). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Healthline. Web.