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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects a woman’s hormones and is rather common in this part of the world. It’s incredibly daunting for many women because PCOS can present a variety of symptoms, including irregular menses and elevated androgen levels. Between 5–10% of women are affected by this syndrome, and still understanding PCOS is very important for effective symptom management, improving overall quality of life and maintaining good health.
This article will discuss all the most important PCOS topics, including its symptoms, causes, and best available treatment options. Other important details such as “Does gaining progesterone cause weight gain?”, “Gaining weight in menopause with PCOS”, and “best pregnancy age when diagnosed with PCOS” will also be discussed. So let’s get started now!
What is PCOS?
Simply put, PCOS is a type of disorder that affects the female ovaries because they are responsible for the production of the eggs as well as the hormones like estrogen and progesterone. In women suffering from PCOS, the ovaries might have an excess secretion of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) and may possess several tiny cysts. This, as well, may cause symptoms along with uncontrolled hormonal imbalance may disrupt ovulation.
Is PCOS Hereditary?
One of the most common questions people have is ‘Is PCOS hereditary?’ Yes, there is a hereditary aspect of PCOS. Research indicates that women with a mother or sister suffering from PCOS are more predisposed to having it themselves.
PCOD vs PCOS: Differences Explained
| PCOS | PCOD |
| A type of syndrome characterized by hormonal imbalance which leads to the development of cysts on the ovaries. | A type of disease associated with the presence of ovarian cysts which may or may not be associated with a hormonal imbalance. |
| May lead to long term health issues such as infertility, diabetes and heart conditions. | Relatively milder in nature with lesser risks. |
| Needs treatment to manage symptoms of irregular periods, weight gain, and infertility. | Symptoms can be controlled with lifestyle changes. |
Most Common PCOS Symptoms
PCOS has many symptoms and can vary from one woman to another. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Irregular menstruation: Periods that are longer than 35 days or may not occur at all
- Excess hair growth (Hirsutism): Excessive hair where it is not wanted is seen on the face, chest and back
- Acne and oily skin: Associated with the increased levels of androgens (testosterone)
- Thinning hair: Female baldness or thinning hair like men
- Infertility: Irregular or absent ovulation leads to not being able to conceive
- Darkened skin: Groin, neck or underarms, especially
PCOS and Testosterone – The Role of Androgens
One of the main characteristics of PCOS is increased androgen (and more so, testosterone). This condition is associated with hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, androgenic alopecia (thinning hair) and weight loss resistance.
Adapting lifestyle strategies, using contraceptive medications, and introducing anti-androgens (spironolactone) often result in controlling testosterone levels and alleviating the described symptoms.
Can Progesterone Cause Weight Gain?
This is a common question for women with PCOS. In pregnancy, progesterone, a cyclic hormone is known to modulate the menstrual cycle. For the purpose of some women’s health issues, she can be treated with added supply of progesterone or hormones, including birth control, and this can lead to weight increase. Women with PCOS tend to have weight changes due to their insulin sensitivity issues and fluctuating weight features.
The water retention, behavioral changes, or increase in appetite might be experienced by some women. With the use of progesterone, if you are worried about weight gain, consider discussing potential changes with your healthcare practitioner.
PCOS + Menopause: How to Lose Weight in This Phase?
Operating any work or weight-related activities becomes a strenuous task, but when coupled with PCOS and menopause, makes it extremely rigoristic to pedal. Following are few options to help manage weight during this time:
- Balanced diet: Whole foods with adequate portions of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains etc. Lower carb and anti-inflammatory diet also aid in the treatment for women with PCOS
- Routine Exercise: Strength training and cardiovascular exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming should be included to aid metabolism and build muscle
- Track your sugar levels: Women suffering from PCOS find it difficult with insulin resistance so they should be taking care of sugar and carb intake. You may avoid processed foods and refined sugars
- Quality sleep: Menopause can affect sleep due to hormonal changes leading it to become troublesome which can also lead to difficulty in weight management so try getting 7 to 9 hours per night
Best Age to Get Pregnant with PCOS
Women with PCOS often wonder: what is the best age to get pregnant and what are the pregnancy complications associated with PCOS? Well, pregnancy is a possibility for many women with PCOS, but irregular ovulation can pose a difficulty.
Good news! The best time is when you are in your early 20s to early 30s. After 35, it becomes more difficult to get pregnant. However, many women with PCOS can have successful pregnancies with medical intervention such as ovulation-inducing medication, for example, Clomid.
Fertility therapy: Primarily need medical help to get pregnant? Options like IVF (in vitro fertilization) and IUI (intrauterine insemination) can help and assist with getting on a fertility expert’s pregnancy-strategy-treatment plan.
PCOS/Women’s Supplements for Weight Loss
These conditions can also be caused by weight gain, making it ever harder to relieve the symptoms of PCOS. But, some supplements specifically designed to ease fat loss and make PCOS weight-loss manageable include:
- Inositol: A supplement that helps with insulin resistance (diabetes-associated problems) and ovulation (egg release) regulation
- Vitamin D: Many women with PCOS have low levels of Vitamin D which can sartorially inhibit insulin sensitivity and fertility
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fats are helpful as they lower inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and may assist in hormone regulation
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon extract has been determined by some studies to lower insulin resistance which is also considered an issue for women suffering from PCOS
PCOS Symptoms Quiz: Am I A PCOS Patient?
In case you have a suspicion of yourself suffering from PCOS, a PCOS symptoms quiz will certainly help you in understanding the condition better as the first step. Some of these quizzes inquire about irregular menstruation cycles, abnormal weight gain, acne, and hirsutism. Having taken these quizzes helps, but it’s vital to communicate to health professional for proper diagnosis which most of the time would require:
- A pelvic examination
- Blood sampling for some hormone level tests
- Ultrasound scanning looking for cysts on the ovaries
Managing PCOS: Change in Lifestyle Along with Medical Procedures
| Treatment | Purpose |
| Medications (Birth control) | Controls periods, excess hair growth, and alleviates acne |
| Metformin | Addresses insulin resistance and encourages weight loss |
| Anti-androgens (Spironolactone) | Manage high testosterone levels leading to hirsutism and acne |
| Lifestyle Changes | Diet, exercise and weight control substantially mitigate symptoms of PCOS |
Conclusion
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) must learn to manage various daily struggles, such as unexpected weight gain or problems conceiving. Knowing how to cope with PCOS symptoms can improve the quality of life for many women. Flexible lifestyle options, medical treatment, and nutritional supplements are just a few options available to women seeking help for PCOS. Although weight management and fertility are two more difficult areas, with proper support and management, many women with PCOS achieve their desired health outcomes.
For those contemplating whether they might have PCOS, taking a PCOS symptom quiz can be a helpful starting point. Make sure to consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. A comprehensive approach allows for effective symptom control and lowers health risks.
