Women who have PCOS may have changes in their hormone levels.
Male hormone production is elevated in PCOS-afflicted women. In addition to making it more difficult for females to become pregnant, this hormonal imbalance leads their hormones to skip menstruation cycles.
In addition to baldness, PCOS can lead to the development of facial and body hair. Aside from that, it can aggravate chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It is possible to correct the hormonal imbalance and improve symptoms by using birth control tablets and diabetic medications (called insulin-resistance medications when used together treat PCOS).
Continue reading to learn about PCOS’s potential causes and potential physical repercussions on women.
What is the PCOS Problem in Females?
Women who are in their reproductive years are affected by PCOS, a hormonal condition (between the ages of 15 and 44). In this age group, PCOS affects between 2.2% and 26.7% of women. Up to 70% of the women in one research who had PCOS were undiagnosed.
The genitalia that produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone, responsible for controlling the menstrual cycle, are affected in women with PCOS. In addition to producing androgens, the ovaries produce a limited amount of testosterone.
Eggs are released from the ovaries for sperm fertilization. The pituitary gland produces the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulate ovulation. A mature egg is released from the ovary after being stimulated by both FSH and LH to form an egg-containing follicle.
There are several symptoms associated with PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Three characteristics are listed below:
- 1. Cysts can be found in the ovaries
- 2. An abundance of masculine hormones
- 3. Inconsistent or irregular period timing
-
The development of several small, fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries is a hallmark of PCOS. “Many cysts” is what the word “polycystic” signifies. Each of these sacs is actually a follicle that houses an immature egg. Never do the eggs get old enough to start ovulation.
FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone levels are changed by the absence of ovulation. There are higher than normal levels of androgen and lower than normal levels of progesterone.
Women with PCOS have fewer periods than normal because extra male hormones mess with the menstrual cycle. PCOS is not a recent illness. The symptoms were initially described in 1721 by an Italian physician named Antonio Vallisneri.
What Problem PCOS May Cause
Women with PCOS are more likely to become overweight and experience major health issues:
- 1. Type 2 diabetes strikes the majority of PCOS-afflicted women by the age of 40.
- 2. Diabetes during pregnancy, known as gestational diabetes, puts the unborn child and mother at risk and increases the likelihood that both may develop type 2 diabetes in the future.
- 3. PCOS raises the risk of heart disease in women, and the risk also rises with age.
- 4. High blood pressure can harm the kidneys, the brain, and the heart.
- 5. Heart disease risk factors include low HDL (“good”) cholesterol and high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
- 6. Sleep apnea is a condition that impairs breathing while you’re asleep and increases your chance of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
- 7. Plaque – stroke (cholesterol and white blood cells) Blood clots brought on by blocked blood vessels can result in a stroke.
-
Though the link between the two conditions and PCOS is not entirely established.
A PCOS problem is evident in these Signs.
Some women begin to experience symptoms right before the beginning of their period. Others discover they have PCOS only after gaining a large amount of weight or having trouble becoming pregnant.PCOS typically exhibits the following symptoms:
- 1. Irregular time frames. The uterine lining cannot shed every month if there is no ovulation. Some PCOS sufferers have fewer than eight cycles or none at all per year.
- 2. Severe bleeding When you do have periods, they may be heavier than usual since the uterine lining has had more time to thicken up.
- 3. Hair expansion With this illness, more than 70% of women develop hair on their face and body, including their back, abdomen, and chest. Having an excessive amount of hair growth is known as hirsutism.
- 4. Acne. On the face, chest, and upper back, testosterone may cause breakouts and oilier skin.
- 5. Gaining weight Up to 80% of PCOS-afflicted females are obese or overweight.
- 6. Baldness with a male pattern. The scalp’s hair may become thin or fall off.
- 7. Skin tone darkening during pregnancy, and particularly in creases such as on the neck, crotch, and under the breasts, dark patches of skin can develop.
- 8. Brain fog. Hormonal fluctuations might cause headaches in some women.
-
What PCOS medications are offered?
In order to treat acne, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments frequently include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and sulfur. Although these chemicals can aid in treating minor breakouts, they frequently fall short in the fight against hormonal acne.
The only method to get rid of acne caused by PCOS is to treat the underlying hormonal imbalance. Consult a dermatologist or your physician if you believe that PCOS may be to blame for your acne. Any of the following medicines could be recommended by them.
You can search for local doctors if you need assistance locating a dermatologist or primary care physician.
Using oral contraceptives
Hormonal acne is occasionally treated using oral contraceptives, also known as birth control tablets. But not just any contraceptive pill will do.
Only combination birth control tablets can assist in maintaining stable hormone levels for the duration of your menstrual cycle.
Ethinyl estradiol is typically used with any or all of the following.
- 1. Norgestimate of progestin
- 2. Drospirenone
- 3. Acetonitrile norethindrone
-
But not everyone should use birth control pills. In the event that you are older than 35 or have the following history:
- 1. Blood pressure is high (hypertension)
- 2. Smoking
- 3. Clots of blood
- 4. Mammary cancer
-
Anti-androgen medications
Prescription pharmaceuticals called “anti-androgens” lower testosterone levels.
Despite being categorized as “male” hormones, androgens are also present in women’s bodies naturally. Women have less than men, which is the difference.
Overproduction of testosterone is occasionally a result of hormonal diseases like PCOS. Acne may result from an increase in the production of sebum and skin cells.
Given that not all people with hormonal acne have high levels of the hormone, your doctor will likely request a blood sample to check your androgen levels.
Tretinoin cream
Previously, over-the-counter retinoids have been used to reduce wrinkle appearance and even out skin tone. Although certain formulae are also used to treat acne, teen-targeted ones are the most frequent.
Skip the over-the-counter retinoids and consult your physician about prescription-strength choices if your acne is caused by PCOS. They can be ingested or used topically as a cream or gel. The most common choice is isotretinoin, sold as Accutane, an oral retinoid.
Retinoids leave your skin highly vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays. Therefore it’s crucial to use plenty of sunscreens all day long. Your risk of hyperpigmentation and possibly skin cancer will rise if you don’t protect your skin.
If topical retinoids are your choice, you should only use them at night. You have a higher chance of experiencing sun-related negative effects if you use them throughout the day.
Topical retinoids may initially feel drying. The gel or cream may need to be applied every other day at first, and then you can increase the dosage as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What causes PCOS in a woman?
For PCOS, there is no known aetiology. Genetics are at play, as evidenced by this. The following other factors may also contribute to PCOS: higher concentrations of androgens, the male hormones: Ovulation is prevented by high amounts of testosterone, which results in irregular menstrual cycles.
How is PCOS manifested?
Infertility, weight gain, excessive hair growth, acne, missed or irregular periods, and PCOS are all symptoms of the condition. Endometrial cancer, diabetes type 2, high blood pressure, and heart issues may all be more common in women with PCOS.
Is PCOS a significant issue?
The likelihood of some major health issues developing in PCOS-positive women is increased. These include uterine cancer, high blood pressure, heart and blood vessel issues, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. PCOS patients frequently experience difficulties getting pregnant (fertility).
What are the symptoms of PCOS in females?
- 1. Periods that are inconsistent or nonexistent.
- 2. Problematic pregnancy
- 3. In most cases, the face, chest, back, or buttocks experience excessive hair growth (hirsutism).
- 4. Gaining weight, hair loss, and thinning on the head.
- 5. Acne or greasy skin
-
Can PCOS go away?
The symptoms of PCOS can be controlled, but the condition cannot be treated. People with PCOS may suffer a variety of symptoms or just one. Treatment options can therefore differ.
What food is good for PCOS?
- 1. Unprocessed, organic foods.
- 2. Fiber-rich foods.
- 3. Trout, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are examples of fatty fish.
- 4. Greens with dark leaves, such as kale, leafy greens, and others.
- 5. Crimson grapes, cherries, berries, blackberry, and other fruits having a rich red hue.
- 6. Brussel sprouts and cauliflower
-
Related Posts
You May Also Like