Empowering Women with PCOS: Strategies for a Healthier Life
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Empowering Women with PCOS: Strategies for a Healthier Life

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance condition that affects women during their reproductive years. 

PCOS causes irregular or infrequent menstrual periods and an excess of androgen hormones (male sex hormones) in the body. It may cause polycystic ovaries as well. The ovaries become enlarged and contain many fluid-filled sacs (follicles) along the outer surface of the ovaries, which may not be released during ovulation.

Although the condition is called Polycystic Ovary syndrome, having PCOS does not mean you have cysts on the ovaries. The exact cause of PCOS is complex. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to play an important role.

Early diagnosis, regular check-ups, weight management, and a healthy lifestyle are beneficial to reduce the risk of long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease associated with PCOS.

How does it diagnose?

The majority of women typically discover they have PCOS during their 20s or 30s when they encounter difficulties conceiving and seek medical advice. Nevertheless, PCOS can develop at any time following puberty.

PCOS can affect women of diverse races and ethnic backgrounds, and certain factors may elevate the risk of developing it. For instance, having obesity or a family history of PCOS contributes to higher susceptibility.

PCOS is diagnosed through a medical history evaluation, physical examination, hormone level blood tests, and pelvic ultrasound. PCOS diagnosis relies on a combination of symptoms, hormone levels, ultrasound findings, and the exclusion of other conditions. Do remember that there is no single test to diagnose PCOS specifically.

The diagnostic process may involve the following steps: 

(1)Menstrual and Symptoms Checking: The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient’s menstrual regularity and any related symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and weight changes. 

(2)Physical Examination: Conduct a thorough physical examination to assess PCOS signs, such as excess body hair, acne, and insulin resistance (e.g., skin tags, darkening of the skin). 

(3)Blood Tests: Blood tests are used to measure hormone levels, including androgens, estrogen, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and insulin. Elevated levels of androgens and LH, along with a high LH-to-FSH ratio, are common indicators of PCOS. Additionally, blood tests can evaluate glucose and lipid levels to check for insulin resistance. 

(4)Pelvic Ultrasound: An ultrasound examination of the pelvis is performed to examine the ovaries for the presence of multiple small cysts. However, it’s important to note that the presence of ovarian cysts alone is not enough to diagnose PCOS, as they can also be found in women without the condition. 

(5)Exclusion of Other Conditions: Since some other medical conditions can have similar symptoms to PCOS, the healthcare provider may need to rule out other potential causes before confirming the diagnosis. 






Navigating PCOS Journey

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects women throughout various stages of life; however, it presents unique obstacles and concerns at each phase. It involves hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries.

PCOS in Puberty

During puberty, diagnosing PCOS in adolescent females can be difficult due to normal hormonal changes. As symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and weight gain are very common, The diagnosis typically occurs two years after the first menstrual period. 

Young Adulthood

As you enter your twenties, PCOS may bring new challenges. You may have insulin resistance, imbalanced hormones, or infertility. Studies show a higher risk of mood and eating disorders among those with PCOS during this stage.

Family Planning

PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility, but many people with PCOS are able to conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatments. You may face irregular ovulation, poor egg quality, and miscarriage. Lifestyle changes like maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can help regulate hormones and improve the chances of conception.

Mid-life Challenges

Hormonal changes during perimenopause can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. People with PCOS are at higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other psychological distress.

Post-menopause

Post-menopause, one might assume that PCOS symptoms would subside, but some aspects, such as hyperandrogenism and the risk of Type 2 diabetes and gynecological cancers, may persist. As PCOS’s long-term health effects are still being studied, a definite conclusion remains elusive.

Throughout the entire PCOS journey, early diagnosis, consistent medical care, and lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact its management. While PCOS poses hurdles, with the right knowledge, support, and proactive approach, individuals can effectively navigate the challenges presented by this condition and lead fulfilling lives. Research and ongoing medical advancements offer hope for even better management and understanding of PCOS in the future.



PCOS: Unravelling the Triad of Acne, Infertility, and Insulin Resistance

Acne and PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that can cause hormonal imbalances in a woman’s body. It will produce more androgens (male hormones). This causes an increase in sebum production and inflammation in the skin. The excessive production of sebum can lead to the formation of acne.

The hormone fluctuations in PCOS people can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, clogging the pores and creating an environment favourable for acne-causing bacteria to thrive.

Additionally, if a woman with PCOS has insulin resistance as well, another prevalent feature of PCOS, it may exacerbate acne as it can stimulate the production of androgens.

We need to fix women’s hormone levels to treat acne in women with PCOS. It can be done through various approaches, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and, in some cases, medication. 

You are recommended to consult with a dermatologist to address the immediate acne concerns, while also seeking guidance from a few healthcare professionals, such as a nutritionist to guide your diet and TCM practitioners to restore the flow of Qi, reduce inflammation, and balance hormone levels.

Infertility and PCOS

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive or become pregnant despite regular and unprotected sexual intercourse over an extended period (usually a year or more).

A normal menstrual cycle, on average, is every 28 days, although flow may be anywhere from every 21 to 35 days. A follicle, which contains the oocyte or egg, grows and matures and gets released during peak ovulation to be fertilised with that one sperm. This actually occurs around day 14, although women with PCOS tend to ovulate later.

In PCOS, hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated levels of androgens (male hormones), disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and ovulation process. Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovaries, which is essential for conception. However, due to hormonal irregularities, the ovaries in women with PCOS often fail to release eggs regularly or at all, resulting in irregular or absent menstrual cycles.

Instead, the egg hangs out on the ovaries as  a fluid-like sac sometimes referred to as a ‘cyst’ which can be seen on a transvaginal ultrasound as a string of pearls. After ovulation, the egg is only viable for 12-24 hours. Not only are these eggs immature, but they also tend to be of poor quality, which can increase the chance of miscarriage.

The lack of regular ovulation can make it difficult for women with PCOS to get pregnant. Additionally, the hormonal imbalances may cause other fertility-related issues, such as poor egg quality, difficulty in fertilization, and an inhospitable uterine lining for embryo implantation. These factors collectively contribute to the increased risk of infertility in women with PCOS.

Fortunately, not all women with PCOS experience infertility, and many can conceive naturally or with the help of medical interventions. Fertility treatments, such as ovulation-inducing medications, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other assisted reproductive techniques, can be effective in aiding conception for women with PCOS.

There’s always a way. For women with PCOS, seeking guidance from a qualified nutritionist can be immensely beneficial in navigating a diet plan tailored to their specific needs and health concerns. A nutritionist can provide expert advice on incorporating nutrient-rich foods, managing insulin resistance, and promoting hormonal balance, ultimately supporting better overall health and well-being. Furthermore,  a healthcare provider specializing in fertility and reproductive health is essential. They can offer personalized treatment plans and support to increase the chances of successful conception and a healthy pregnancy.

Insulin resistance and PCOS

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and insulin resistance are closely related. Insulin resistance is often considered a key underlying factor in the development of PCOS. 

In women with PCOS, their bodies can make insulin but can’t respond effectively, and as a result, the body needs to produce more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. The elevated insulin levels can have several effects: 

(1)Increased androgen production: High insulin levels can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), such as testosterone. The hormonal imbalance can disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries and interfere with the regular menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or the absence of ovulation.

(2)Ovarian cysts: The high production of androgen can also lead to the development of small fluid-filled sacs called cysts on the ovaries. These cysts are not harmful but can contribute to the characteristic appearance of “polycystic” ovaries seen in ultrasound imaging.

(3)Weight gain: Insulin resistance is associated with weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Excess insulin can promote fat storage, particularly around the abdomen, leading to weight gain.

(4)Difficulty conceiving: The combination of hormonal imbalances, irregular ovulation, and insulin resistance can make it more challenging for women with PCOS to conceive. 

(5)Increased risk of type 2 diabetes: Prolonged insulin resistance can eventually lead to the development of type 2 diabetes if blood sugar levels remain consistently high.

Managing insulin resistance is an important aspect of treating PCOS. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help improve insulin sensitivity.

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