I got diagnosed with PCOS

What next?

Photo by Clarisse Meyer on Unsplash

If you have PCOS, or you have symptoms that are pointing in that direction, chances are you have scoured the depths of the internet seeking useful resources that answer all of the questions racing through your mind. Not to worry, you have come to the right place. Read on to understand more about PCOS.

What is PCOS?

PCOS( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a disorder that affects the endocrine and metabolic system of many women of reproductive age. In PCOS, there’s higher levels of male hormones known as androgens, insulin resistance, problems with ovulation, and ovaries that have numerous small cysts that contain unruptured egg follicles¹.

How common is PCOS?

It commonly affects women between the ages of 20 and 30. An estimated 6–15% of women worldwide are affected². Up to 70% of women remain undiagnosed according to the World Health Organization³.

So, you are not alone.

There are four types of PCOS

Types of PCOS. Credit; Mahnoor Faheem

What causes PCOS?

There is no known exact cause for PCOS, although it has been linked to various factors. Namely;

1. Insulin resistance: in PCOS, there’s a connection to insulin resistance. This happens because too much insulin, caused by certain molecules in fat cells, makes it hard for glucose to use insulin properly. This leads to high insulin levels, which can make the body less responsive to insulin⁴.
2. Hormonal imbalance: excess production of male hormones i.e androgens produced mainly by the ovaries and in some cases by the adrenal glands is one of the most common factors linked to PCOS ⁴. High luteinizing hormone levels, high prolactin levels, and low binding proteins are some of the hormone imbalances seen.
3. Genetic factors: it has been found that PCOS is a condition influenced by our genes. When there’s an over exposure to male hormones in the womb, it can affect how our genes work, leading to PCOS and later on, insulin resistance. Its variations are explained by how it interacts with other genes and our environment.
4. Bisphenol A (BPA): a common industrial compound called Bisphenol A (BPA), found in things like dental materials, plastic goods, and packaging, might be linked to PCOS. BPA seems to play a role in causing problems with the ovaries⁴.
5. Stress and other psychological disorders: when stress levels rise, it can disrupt the regular menstrual cycle and lead to changes in hormones like cortisol and prolactin. These changes can affect menstruation, which usually returns to normal once the stress has been removed⁴.

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

1. Irregular menstrual cycles (missed periods or prolonged periods).
2. No ovulation.
3. Infertility.
4. Excess hair growth on the face, chest, back, or body in general (hirsutism).
5. Acne and oily skin.
6. Thinning hair or male-pattern baldness.
7. Weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
8. Darkening of the skin along the neck creases, in the groin, or underneath the breasts (acanthosis nigricans).
9. Pelvic pain.
10. Mood changes, including depression and anxiety.
11. Sleep problems.
12. Fatigue.
13. High blood pressure.
14. Low sex drive.

Having any of these symptoms does not mean a definite diagnosis of PCOS. You should still get your doctor’s opinion.

How can PCOS be managed?

As at the time of this writing, there’s no known cure for PCOS, but it can be managed to an extent of noticeable symptom reduction. The management of PCOS usually focuses on a symptomatic approach and requires a lot of patience. The most disturbing symptoms like menstrual cycle imbalances, abnormal weight gain, infertility and hirsutism are usually targeted.

Here’s how to take a holistic approach towards managing PCOS

• Having a positive mindset and adopting positive lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing PCOS.
• Diet remains one of the significant aspects of management. You are what you eat literally.

A balanced and nutrient-rich diet, focusing on less carbs and sugary foods as well as mindful eating, helps regulate insulin levels and improves hormonal balance.

• Regular exercise, tailored to individual needs, helps to achieve a balance between weight and hormone response. It has also been found to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Prioritizing stress management through techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can alleviate the impact of stress hormones on PCOS symptoms.
• Also, building a supportive community of people you can talk to when you start feeling out of whack also helps.
• Adequate sleep and establishing healthy sleep routines are crucial for hormonal regulation.
• It is also important to seek medical guidance on the best treatment regimen to follow as well as exploring supplements and herbal teas that have been proven to reduce PCOS symptoms to subclinical levels.

Lastly, if you notice any unusually disturbing symptom, you should see the doctor as soon as possible.

If you made it this far, I hope you were able to learn something useful about PCOS. Looking forward to reading your experiences, comments and feedbacks.

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