Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or better known as PCOS is one of the most common diseases that affect women. In fact, the data suggests every 1 in 10 women are supposed to be suffering from the ailment.
But like most diseases, very little is known about the condition. Many false information about its causes, symptoms, and treatment is available online and prevents one from getting help.
One of the major questions that is surrounded PCOS is if it is sexually transmitted. This blog will give you the answer a bit more to help you get ahead of the illness.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS can be deemed as a hormonal imbalance that affects women when their glands produce more male hormones or better known as Androgen.
As a result, sac-like growth develops on the ovaries resulting in irregular periods, abnormal hair growth, Inability to conceive, obesity, Thyroid, and acne.
These cysts may affect both ovaries or might just be on just one. In any case, it causes much distress to the patient.
Causes
Contrary to popular belief, PCOS is not sexually transmitted. However, the causes responsible for the condition are yet to be fully determined. Some of the major reasons include-
1. Genetics– It is seen that women with sisters or mothers with PCOS also are prone to the condition.
2. Obesity– Women who are overly heavy are known to suffer from PCOS.
3. Amenorrhoea– Women with absent /irregular periods are likely to have PCOS.
Symptoms
1. Absence of periods
2. Unable To Bear Children
3. Increased Facial Hair
4. Depression
5. Acne Breakouts
6. Abdominal Pain
7. Skin tags
8. Irregular patches on the body
9. Weight Gain
10. Baldness
These are some of the lookout signs for PCOS. If you think you are suffering from any one of these symptoms, it is better to consult your healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
Again due to the mystery shrouded around its causes, there is a conclusive single test for it.
Your doctor can make the diagnosis based on-
1. Medical History– Since it is genetically transmitted, your doctor will need a detailed medical history including your female siblings and mothers.
2. Physical Exam– Most of the symptoms are quite visible so the healthcare provider might want to look for skin tags, patches, and acne breakouts.
3. Pelvic Exam– The cysts on the ovary cause it to swell and a pelvic exam is the best way to know it.
4. Blood Tests– Androgen hormone and glucose levels; need to be monitored
5. Sonogram-The Ultrasound gives a pretty good picture of how things are inside your body and especially near the endometrium. It is the lining of the uterine walls that collapse during menstruation.
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Treatment
While there is no single treatment in the form of medication for the disease, there are ways in which you can keep it in check.
1. Exercise
Like all the other diseases, physical activity is an important part of the regimen. Training in some sports has shown significant change in one’s hormones inducing a positive change.
2. Diet
Controlling your diet, especially the carb and sugar intake is known to create wonders. Moreover, you should increase your protein intake to help maintain your weight.
3. Quit Smoking
Smoking is anyway injurious to your health and the nicotine does negatively impact your hormone production.
4. Hydration
Keep yourself hydrated and drink more than minimum levels of water. This will help your kidneys work efficiently.
Other Diseases Caused By The Condition
Patients suffering from PCOS can be open to contracting much deadlier diseases. These include-
1. Diabetes– Not being able to manage the Thyroid levels can cause diabetes.
2. High Blood Pressure– Your pressure may go through the roof making you vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases.
3. Sleep Apnea– Though not very common, it is seen that many women stop their breathing while they are asleep. This is not a voluntary task and therefore can have serious consequences.
4. Depression– Lack of the production of serotonin and body image issues can pose a risk to one’s mental health. Therefore it is important to check in with your mental health worker.
5. Cancer– The inability to produce progesterone can result in the thickening of the endometrium which gradually leads to Cancer.
Remember, it is never too late to take care of your health!