What is PCOS ?
With PCOS, many small sacs of fluid develop along the outer edge of the ovary. These are called cysts. The small fluid-filled cysts contain immature eggs. These are called follicles. The follicles fail to regularly release eggs.
Hormones involved in PCOS are-
• Androgen- Androgens, sometimes known as"male hormones,"are produced by all females, but women with PCOS frequently have greater amounts of these hormones. Although the adrenal glands can also be present, the ovaries create the majority of the excess androgens. Several PCOS symptoms, such as acne, unwanted hair,thinning hair, and irregular periods, are brought on by excessive androgens.
This can lead to elevated blood glucose levels and cause the body to make more insulin. The body may produce more androgens if it has too much insulin.
• Progesterone- In PCOS, a lack of progesterone contributes to irregular periods.
• Insulin- This hormone enables the body to absorb glucose (blood sugar) into the cells for energy. In PCOS, the body isn't as receptive to insulin as it should be.
Symptoms
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder and may begin shortly after puberty, but can also develop during the later teen years and early adulthood.
PCOS symptoms may be attributed to other causes and may remain unnoticed. PCOS may go undiagnosed for some time.Often, PCOS can be diagnosed if two of the following three symptoms are present:
• Irregular periods- People with PCOS frequently experience irregular or skipped periods because of no ovulation. Menstrual irregularities are a prominent sign of PCOS. For example, having fewer periods in a year.
• Polycystic ovaries- Although some people may develop cysts on their ovaries,many people don't, the ovaries might be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs. As a result, the ovaries might fail to function regularly.
• Excessive androgen- Physical signs of elevated levels of male hormone might include excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism), as well as occasionally severe acne and male-pattern baldness.
The exact cause of PCOS is unkwown .Their is koflong - term consequences including type 2 diabetes and heart disease may be reduced with early diagnosis , treatment , and weight loss .
Other symptoms include:
People with PCOS face issues related to weight gain and obesity that is difficult to manage
People living with PCOS face increased fatigue and low energy.Related issues such as poor sleep may contribute to the feeling of fatigue
Unwanted hair growth (also known as hirsutism) Areas affected by excess hair growth may include the face, arms, back, chest, thumbs, toes, and abdomen.Hirsutism related to PCOS is due to hormonal changes in androgens
PCOS is one of the leading cause of female infertility. However, not every woman with PCOS is the same. Although some people may need the assistance of fertility treatments, others are able to conceive naturally.
Thick, dark, velvety patches of skin under the arms or breasts, or on the back of the neck remains common in PCOS.
Acne issues may result from androgen-related hormonal changes. In places like the face, chest, and upper back, male hormones can make the skin oilier than usual and lead to breakouts.
Hair loss related to PCOS may increase in middle age.
People with PCOS deal with frequent mood swings,depression, and anxiety.
Hormonal changes in people living with PCOS prompt headches.
Along with significant bleeding during periods, pelvic discomfort is likely. Also when a woman isn't bleeding.
Hormonal changes can negatively affect the emotions in people living with PCOS causing depression and anxiety.
There are many factors that can affect sleep, but PCOS has been linked to a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. With sleep apnea, a person will stop breathing for short periods of time during sleep. This means that even when you do sleep, you do not feel well-rested after you wake up. You could also have trouble falling asleep.