PCOS

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is quite common amongst women of reproductive age. The exact cause is unknown, but PCOS occurs when the ovaries develop a number of small cysts, or fluid-filled sacs, on their ovaries. These cysts are not harmful, but they cause an imbalance in hormone level. Women with PCOS may have irregular or even missed periods. Early diagnosis is essential to fight this hormonal disorder—as it can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes and a positive outlook to life. There is no test in isolation that can determine the presence of PCOS, but it can be diagnosed after a series of tests, scan and physical examination is left untreated, PCOS may lead to infertility—fret not, you can totally be in control of the situation. Click here to book an appointment

Symptoms of PCOS

• Pain in the pelvic region
• Acne
• high blood pressure
• infertility
• Excessive facial and body hair growth, also known as (Hirsutism)
• Painful menses
• Cysts in the ovaries

Causes of PCOS

Despite the fact that the precise origin of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) remains unknown, it is believed to be connected to hormone levels.

Genetics

PCOS can run in families due to genetics. You are at a higher chance of having PCOS if any of your relatives does. Although particular genes linked to PCOS have not yet been discovered, this shows that the disorder may have a hereditary component.

Insulin resistance

A hormone called insulin is created by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. It aids in transferring blood glucose into cells, where it is broken down to create energy. The term "insulin resistance" refers to the body's tissues being resistant to insulin's actions. In order to make up for this, the body must create more insulin. High insulin levels cause the ovaries to overproduce testosterone, which interferes with the growth of follicles—the sacs in the ovaries where eggs develop—and ovulation in a healthy way.

Additionally, insulin resistance can result in weight gain, which can aggravate the symptoms of PCOS. Having additional fat encourages the body to create more insulin, so insulin resistance can also result in weight gain, which can exacerbate PCOS symptoms.

Hormone imbalance

It is discovered that many women with PCOS have an imbalance in a number of hormones, including:

increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) - this promotes ovulation but, if levels are too high, may have an inappropriate effect on the ovaries low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) - a protein in the blood that binds to testosterone and lessens its effect increased levels of testosterone.

There is no known cause for these hormone alterations. It's been proposed that the issue may originate in the ovary, in other glands that make these hormones, or in the area of the brain that regulates their synthesis.

Risks Factor

Genetics play a role in having PCOS. People whose family member suffers from PCOS are more likely to develop it than those without any family link to PCOS

People with insulin resistance are likely to develop PCOS —as there is no regulation of sugar in the body, which makes the pancreas go over drive secreting excess insulin.

Asides risk factors, there are associated health risk to having PCOS which includes;

• Infertility
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• depression
• high cholesterol etc.
• Growth and other changes.

All the aforementioned can lead to other health issues, so PCOS has to be detected and treated early.

Diagnosis

Doctors will ask you about your symptoms, medicines and any other medical condition. Our doctor will also ask about changes in your menstruation and weight.

Our doctor will also do the following tests:

Pelvic Exam: -

During the Pelvic exam, the doctor will examine the reproductive organs and check for mass.

Blood Test: -

This test can find out if there are problems in the body

Ultrasound: -

Ultrasound can examine ovaries and the thickness of the uterus lining.

Complications of PCOS

Miscarriage

Women with PCOS are more likely than women without the illness to miscarry in the first few months of pregnancy.

Pregnancy diabetes

Only found during pregnancy, gestational diabetes is a disorder where the placenta's hormones prevent the body from producing insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

Pre-eclampsia

The abrupt onset of high blood pressure and swelling of the hands and face is known as preeclampsia. It often appears after week 20 of pregnancy and, if detected early, is successfully treatable.

Mood issues

PCOS is associated with illnesses including depression and anxiety, perhaps as a result of the elevated amounts of androgen hormones.

Early birth

Preterm births (births that occur before 37 weeks) and stays in a neonatal critical care unit are more common in babies born to mothers with PCOS (NICU). Women with PCOS are more prone to experience issues including high blood pressure, which increases their likelihood of needing a C-section. If have PCOS and you are planning to get pregnant or you already are, you should speak to our doctor so as to avoid complications that comes with being pregnant while having PCOS.

Diabetes

Women with PCOS are at risk of having diabetes because of the body's inability to produce insulin.

Infertility

Women with PCOS are often plagued with infertility. This is because ovulation sometimes does not occur.

When do you go to the doctor?

See our doctor if:

• You've missed your period for two consecutive times and you are not pregnant.
• You are starting to see hair on your chest or chin.
• You are trying to conceive for more than 12 months but haven't been successful.
• You gain weight without trying and find it hard to lose weight.

Treatment Of PCOS

Treatments can help you control PCOS symptoms and reduce your risk of developing long-term health issues including diabetes and heart disease. Our doctor and you should discuss your objectives in order to develop a treatment strategy. For instance, if you're trying to conceive but are having problems, your treatment would be focused on that. Your therapies will be geared towards those treatments if you choose to take other PCOS symptoms. Let's examine a few of the probable treatments.

Medication

Contraceptive: Periods can be brought on regularly with the use of the contraceptive pill or with an intermittent course of progestogen pills.

Clomifene and Metformin: For women who are trying to get pregnant, clomifene is frequently the initial course of medication suggested. The monthly release of an egg( ovulation)from the ovaries is encouraged by clomifene. Metformin is used if clomifene is unable to promote ovulation. Metformin is frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes, but it can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels in PCOS-affected women. Metformin can offer other long-term health advantages, such as lowering high cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease, in addition to promoting ovulation, promoting regular monthly periods, and lowering the chance of miscarriage.

Surgery

PCOS-related reproductive issues that do not improve with medication may be treated with a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Our doctor will create a small cut in your lower stomach while you are under general anesthesia, so they can insert a laparoscope, a long, thin microscope, into your belly. The tissue that is releasing androgens (male hormones) will subsequently be surgically removed from the ovaries using heat or a laser. LOD has been shown to increase follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels while decreasing testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (FSH). This can help to fix your hormone imbalance and get your ovaries back to working normally.

Lifestyle changes

Weight loss and diet changes are also recommended for the treatment of PCOS. You will have to cut back on fatty food and eat more whole grain. Exercising regularly is also good for the management of PCOS.

Diet And PCOS

Diet can affect PCOS in two ways, the production of insulin and weight gain. We've come to understand that people with PCOS have insulin resistance. So, managing your insulin level will help keep your symptoms in check. You can achieve this by being on the right diet. The food you eat can either worsen or manage your condition . Let's check out diets that are great from women with PCOS

Food to eat

There is currently no standard diet for those suffering from PCOS—but studies have shown that certain food has a significant effect on PCOS. Certain foods are beneficial and seem to help people manage their condition, and which foods to avoid.

Diets with anti inflammatoryproperties

Anti-inflammatory foods help reduce inflammation-related symptoms, such as fatigue. Foods like berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and extra virgin olive oil, have anti-inflammatory properties.

the dash diet:

The dash diet is originally for those suffering from high blood pressure, but its patients suffering from PCOS can benefit from it. Eat vegetables, fruits, whole grain, and low-fat dairy produce.

Best Treatment for You

Treatment for PCOS is often reversing the symptoms. Our doctor will focus on your symptoms and suggest ways to reverse them.

Why choose Cicle?

We at Cicle can help you with the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. All you have to do is contact our health coach and an appointment with a doctor will be made. To book an appointment with a doctor, click here.

Frequently asked questions

Are PCOS and PCOD the same?

No, PCOS and PCOD are not the same. PCOS is a polycystic hormonal disease that is due to hormonal imbalance, which are affects the ovaries

• Irregular periods
• Hirsutism
• Weight gain

Which food should you avoid when you have PCOS?

Women suffering from PCOS should avoid these foods:

• Carbohydrates like pastries, white bread
• Carbonated Drink
• Sugar drink
• Processed or frozen food
• Red meat

How do you control hormonal imbalance in PCOS?

Maintain healthy weight, exercise, proper diet, lifestyle modification, adequate sleep and hormonal medications can help to control hormonal imbalance in PCOS

Call us today to book an Appointment.