Combat Menstrual Problem - PCOS

Are you struggling with weight gain and trouble losing weight, extra thicker and darker facial and body hair, Thinning hair on the scalp along with irregular periods, then you should be aware of a disease which is commonly known as PCOD or PCOS (Polycystic ovarian disease or syndrome).

The most common characteristic of PCOS is irregular menstrual periods. Often women with PCOS have fewer than nine periods a year. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant and they suffer from depression as well.

Why and How?

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, it is believed that genetics, stress and lifestyle play a role. But we know that in PCOS the woman’s levels of the sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. which leads to the ovaries to produce many small, immature eggs instead of healthy, mature eggs. which causes growth of small cysts on the ovaries, That is why it is called polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormone called androgens. Women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen. This may cause them to stop ovulating and also result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Which leads to unwanted changes in the way they look.

What Happens If It Isn't Treated

Over time it can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Cholesterol and lipid abnormalities (elevated triglycerides or low HDL (good cholesterol)
• High blood pressure
• Uterine cancer
• Infertility
• Sleep apnea
• Depression and anxiety

Prevalence

PCOS is a common endocrine condition, which is rapidly gaining epidemic proportions. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of childbearing age suffers from PCOS. The prevalence of PCOS in Indian adolescents is 9.13%. A recent study revealed that about 18 per cent of women in India, mostly from the East, suffer from PCOS.

How It Is Diagnosed

• Physical examination
• Menstrual history
• Pelvic scan
• Thyroid function test

Is It Preventable

Although PCOS cannot be completely avoided, you can prevent them to a certain extent and manage them with sensible measures.

• Maintain the right weight (remember symptoms of PCOS will worsen with obesity)
• Stay away from junk foods
• Stay away from stress
• Stay away from tobacco products
• Have balanced and controlled diet regularly
• Doing regular exercise will help you to stay fit and healthy
• Make considerable changes in your lifestyle and daily routine

How is it Treated

Treatment for PCOS is not curative. The earlier your PCOS is diagnosed and treated, the lower your risk of developing other complications. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and managing the condition to prevent complications.

http://www.healthline.com/health/polycystic-ovary-disease#Complications6

http://www.indiaparenting.com/womens-health/322_3882/tips-for-preventing-pcos.html

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/top-15-womens-health-concerns/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21600812