PCOS impacts one in every ten women, making it a rather general gynaecological condition.
Let’s unpack what PCOS is, and the common symptoms to look out for. The Healthline states that polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) is caused by an imbalance in androgen levels.
The above-mentioned hub says that the condition has become a problem in women as it causes them to miss their regular menstrual periods, hair growth, baldness, and may cause long-term health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Birth control pills and diabetic medications are two treatment choices for addressing this imbalance and improving symptoms.
According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), PCOS affects 8-13% of women of reproductive age, with only 70% of women being untreated. Certain ethnicities have a higher prevalence of metabolic difficulties, obesity, body image issues, and infertility. The biological and psychological repercussions may result in mental health issues and social stigma.
PCOS is diagnosed by an ultrasound examination that shows excessive androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovaries. Blood tests can detect hormone changes, but they are not universal.
Women with PCOS may have higher amounts of testosterone, oestrogen, a hormone called luteinizing hormone, insulin, and anti-Müllerian hormone. The diagnosis is based on irregular periods, normal ovulation, a family history of PCOS or type 2 diabetes, and unclear ultrasound pictures, says the health organisation.
Ura, a health information hub provides 5 common symptoms of PCOS:
- Thinning around the temples and hair parts.
- Facial hair and dense body hair caused by excessive male hormones.
- Weight gain increases or decreases due to the condition.
- If you have acne or oily skin caused by hormonal abnormalities that produce breakouts.
- If your skin darkens particularly around the private part area, neck, underarms, and breasts.
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