Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder of hormone balance in women. Women with PCOS syndrome will overproduce male hormones (androgens).
This disorder attacks the ovaries (ovaries) and interferes with the process of releasing eggs (ovulation).
If there is an ovulation disorder, the egg cannot be fertilized by sperm. In the end, no pregnancy can occur.
In order to get to know this disease better, consider some of the following PCOS facts that you should know.
1. PCOS Is A Hormonal Disorder
In women with PCOS syndrome, male hormones are produced higher than normal. This hormonal imbalance causes the menstrual cycle to become irregular and it is more difficult to get pregnant.
Due to the high level of male hormones, there is hair growth on various parts of the body and face, as well as baldness.
2. PCOS Is a Syndrome
The next PCOS fact is that this condition is a syndrome, which is a collection of several symptoms that affect the ovaries and ovulation.
The three main symptoms of PCOS are cysts on the ovaries, high levels of male hormones, and irregular or missed periods.
3. PCOS Causes High Male Hormones
Polycystic means many cysts ( cysts ) or small bags filled with fluid that grow in the ovaries. These sacs are actually follicles each containing an immature egg.
This egg is never mature enough to be released (ovulation). Due to a lack of ovulation, female hormone levels are lower than normal. As a result, the menstrual cycle is less than usual and irregular.
4. The causes of PCOS are still being studied
The exact cause of PCOS is still being studied. Several theories suggest that genetics, insulin resistance, and inflammation are linked to the overproduction of male hormones (androgens).
Research has found that several genes contribute to this condition. In addition, insulin resistance turns out to affect up to 70 percent of women with PCOS. Which means, they can’t use these hormones properly.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help the body use sugar obtained from food for energy.
When the body’s cells cannot use insulin properly, the body will “ask” insulin production to be increased.
This increase in insulin will make the ovaries produce more male hormones. Obesity is the main cause of insulin resistance.
Women with PCOS often have high levels of inflammation in the body. Excess body weight can contribute to inflammation which is ultimately associated with increased levels of male hormones. PCOS Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
5. PCOS Has Many Symptoms
PCOS syndrome has many symptoms as mentioned above. Here are some of them.
- Irregular menstruation due to lack of ovulation. In fact, some women with PCOS experience fewer than eight periods a year.
- Uterine lining that builds up over a long period of time due to infrequent periods can cause heavier bleeding the next time you have your period.
- Hirsutism, or hair growth, is common in more than 70 percent of women with PCOS, including on the face, back, stomach, and chest.
- Due to the high level of male hormones which can make the skin oilier, pimples will appear more easily.
- Weight gain occurs in women with PCOS up to 80 percent.
- Hair loss on the scalp is becoming more common.
- Dark patches in skin folds can form in the neck, groin and under the breasts.
- Hormonal changes can trigger headaches in some women.
6. PCOS Can Increase the Risk of Various Health Conditions
PCOS can cause fertility problems due to reduced ovulation frequency. This condition is one of the main causes of infertility in women.
PCOS can increase the risk of various diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
PCOS can also increase the risk of sleep apnea, endometrial cancer, and depression.
7. Lifestyle Changes Can Help PCOS
Treatment for PCOS usually begins with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, diet and exercise.
Losing 5-10 percent of body weight can help regular menstrual cycles and PCOS symptoms, lower cholesterol and insulin levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
You can try dieting by eating low-carb foods that are effective in reducing weight and insulin levels.
Exercise at least three times a week at moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes can help women with PCOS syndrome. Exercise can improve ovulation and insulin levels.
Those are PCOS facts that you need to know. If you have an irregular menstrual cycle accompanied by the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.