By Athena Soledad and Harneet Bains
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder commonly occurring in women who are of reproductive age. It is characterized by irregular menstrual periods or excess androgen. Numerous small collections of fluid called follicles may develop on the ovaries. This can lead to their inability to regularly release egg cells.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PCOS usually begin to occur around the early stages of puberty, such as the first menstrual period. The most common symptom of PCOS is having irregular, prolonged, or infrequent periods (or no period at all). People with POS often experience abnormally heavy menstrual loads, have less than nine periods a year, or get their period much
later than expected.
Another symptom of PCOS is elevated levels of androgen. Androgen is a hormone group that plays a role in male traits and reproductive activity. Despite its common nickname “male hormones,” androgens are actually presented in both males and females. Excess androgen can result in a change in both men and women’s physical appearance, including excessive growth of facial and body hair (hirsutism), severe acne, and male-pattern baldness.
Lastly, from the name of the disorder itself, polycystic ovaries can be a sign of PCOS. Enlarged ovaries with follicles surrounding its eggs can result in the failure of the ovaries to function regularly, thus affecting reproduction.
Causes
Heredity is a possible reason why someone has PCOS. According to research, some genes may be linked to the disorder. Consistent reports of the familial clustering of PCOS suggest that genetic factors play a role in the development of the disorder although PCOS does not exhibit a clear pattern of Mendelian inheritance. Another possible cause of PCOS is surplus insulin, which is a hormone that acts as the body’s primary supplier of energy and is produced by the pancreas. Low-grade inflammation (related to the blood cells) may also lead to the production of androgens and can be a cause of PCOS.
Types
Insulin-resistant PCOS is a type of PCOS where high levels of insulin prevent ovulation and trigger the ovaries to create testosterone, a type of androgen that mainly affects a man’s appearance and sexual development. This is the most common type of PCOS that is. It is caused by smoking, overconsumption of sugar and trans-fats, and high levels of pollution, and trans fat.
Pill-induced PCOS develops due to the intake of birth control pills, which suppress ovulation. Effects are usually temporary, and ovulation is resumed once the pill’s effects subside. In some women, however, ovulation does not occur for several months or years after the pill loses effect. This type of PCOS is the second most common.
Inflammatory PCOS is caused by hormonal imbalances and inflammation. It often occurs due to stress, environmental toxins, and inflammatory dietaries, like gluten. Symptoms of this type of PCOS include headaches, infections, skin allergies, vitamin D deficiency (shown by blood tests), abnormal blood count, and increased levels of thyroid.
Hidden PCOS is a simpler form of PCOS caused by thyroid disease, iodine deficiency, vegetarian diets (which can lead to zinc deficiency), and artificial sweeteners. Once the cause is addressed, it usually takes about three to four months to get resolved.
Treatment
Although there is no definite suitable cure for PCOS, there are numerous treatments that are implemented to ridused for treating the disorder. Medications for people with diabetes help manage increased sugar levels that can cause PCOS. Fertility medications, such as Clomid usage and injectable FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) may also help. Infertility treatments, such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in-vitro fertilization), are also used. There are also surgical methods for PCOS, such as laparoscopic ovarian drilling by laser, cyst aspiration, and oophorectomy. In cyst aspiration, fluid from the cysts is removed through aspiration, which provides relief from discomfort and improves fertility. Oophorectomy is a surgical process where one or both ovaries are removed.
Prevention
There is no known prevention method for PCOS. However, many women with PCOS can avoid further health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases through proper nutrition and weight management.
WORKS CITED PAGE
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Mayo Clinic. (2020, October 3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439.
The Genetic Basis of the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Literature Review Including Discussion of PPAR-gamma. Unluturk, U., Harmanci, A., Kocaefe, C., & Yildiz, B. O. (2007). PPAR research, 2007, 49109. https://doi.org/10.1155/2007/49109
Types of PCOS: Symptoms of PCOS: Treatment of PCOS. indiraivf. (2020, October 30). https://www.indiraivf.com/types-of-pcos/.
Wallace, R. (2019, April 25). 12 Signs of Low Testosterone. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/warning-signs.
Wojciechowski, M., Marloff, S., & Sauchelli, L. (2020, August 28). Overview. HealthyWomen. https://www.healthywomen.org/your-health/androgen/overview.
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