PCOS: What every woman should know about it

Chennai

PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is a hormonal disorder among women who are of reproductive age. Of late, the condition has become quite common and if left untreated, can lead to long term health risks. However, with proper treatment and making significant changes in lifestyle one can effectively put an end to this condition.

What is PCOS?

PCOS occurs when women develop small cysts in their ovaries. Though the cysts are not harmful, it leads to hormonal imbalance. By detecting the condition earlier and treating rightly, one can prevent health issues in the long run.

How do we detect PCOS?

Symptoms of PCOS depends from women to women. The most common sign of PCOS is irregular periods and other symptoms include hirsutism (excess growth of facial hair), weight gain, skin acne, thinning of hair on scalp and infertility.

How is PCOS treated effectively?

Medications are prescribed to treat acne, hirsutism, excess of androgen hormone, hair loss etc. To regularise periods, birth control pills are prescribed and infertility is treated by providing drugs that induces ovulation.

The dangers of leaving it unchecked!

The earlier PCOS is treated, the better for a healthy life in the long run. If the condition is unchecked then it leads to chronic and life threatening health issues like heart disease, diabetes or in severe cases cancer.

What lifestyle has got to do with this?

Improving one’s lifestyle helps keep PCOS at bay. While maintain a heathy diet aids in controlling sugar, regular exercise will assist in reducing the male hormone and help regularise periods. With proper treatment and opting for a healthier lifestyle, one can overcome PCOS ensuring a better life in the long run.

Does PCOS affect a pregnant woman?

PCOS in a pregnant woman can lead to pre-eclampsia that is hypertension induced by pregnancy. This may result in high blood pressure and therefore the foetus is less likely to survive. Owing to the dangers of pre-eclampsia, caesarean maybe performed to deliver the baby.