Learn about PCOS—a hormonal disorder in women that causes hair loss, weight gain, irregular periods, and sleeplessness. Know symptoms, causes & prevention.
What causes PCOS in women, what are the symptoms, and how can it be stopped? Hormonal Disorder You Shouldn’t Ignore
According to the Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is now one of the most frequent hormonal problems that women have. One in ten women of childbearing age are thought to have symptoms related to PCOS. Even though it is common, many women don’t know they have it or what its long-term health repercussions are.
This News Heaven article tells you everything you need to know about it, including its symptoms, causes, how to avoid it, and how to manage it.
What does PCOS mean?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in which a woman’s ovaries make too many androgens, which are sometimes called “male hormones.” This hormonal imbalance can mess up your periods, make it harder to ovulate, and cause tiny cysts to form in your ovaries.
PCOS isn’t life-threatening, but it can affect every part of a woman’s health, including her mental health, metabolism, and ability to get pregnant.
Signs and Symptoms of PCOS
Some of the most common indicators of PCOS are
- Irregular or Missed Periods: Women may have periods that come late or don’t come at all.
- Excess Hair Growth (Hirsutism)—High amounts of androgens can cause hair to grow on the face, chest, or back.
- Thinning or losing hair: It generally makes hair on the scalp thinner.
- Sudden weight gain, especially around the stomach, is generally a sign of insulin resistance.
- Hormonal imbalances make the skin produce more sebum, which causes acne and oily skin.
- Dark Spots on Skin—These patches, which are called Acanthosis Nigricans, commonly show up on the neck or underarms.
- Skin tags are little, innocuous bumps that form near the neck or armpits.
- Sleep Issues: Trouble falling asleep, not being able to sleep, or even sleep apnea.
- Mood swings and anxiety: Changes in hormones can affect mental health and make emotions unstable.
What causes PCOS
The precise etiology of PCOS is not fully understood; nevertheless, research identifies multiple contributory factors:
- Hormonal Imbalance: High levels of androgens make it challenging for the body to ovulate normally.
- Genetics: PCOS can be passed down from one family member to another.
- Insulin Resistance: Too much insulin makes the body make more androgens, which makes symptoms worse.
- Lifestyle Factors: Not getting enough exercise and eating poorly can make you more likely to get PCOS.
- Stress and Lack of Sleep: Long-term stress affects cortisol levels, which can mess with hormones even more.
Health Risks Associated with PCOS
If you don’t manage PCOS, it might cause long-term problems like:
- Not being able to get pregnant or having trouble conceiving
- Diabetes type 2 and being overweight
- Heart illness with high cholesterol
- Endometrial cancer (caused by a protracted lack of menstruation)
- Mental health problems include anxiety and sadness
How to prevent and handle problems
PCOS cannot be totally treated, although lifestyle adjustments and medical help can help reduce the symptoms:
💪 1. Eat a healthy diet
Eat a lot of fiber-rich meals, lean proteins, and beneficial fats. Stay away from processed foods, fried foods, and sugar that has been refined.
🏃 2. Work out often
Do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Walking, yoga, or biking are all terrific ways to do this.
🧘 3. Manage Stress
Meditation, deep breathing, and writing in a notebook are all ways to deal with stress that can help balance hormones naturally.
💊4. Follow the advice of your doctor
For the right diagnosis, see a gynecologist or endocrinologist. Hormonal treatment or insulin-sensitizing drugs may be given by doctors.
5. Get better sleep
To sleep better, stick to a regular sleep pattern and stay away from devices before bed.
When to Go to the Doctor
If you discover that your periods have stopped, your hair is growing too fast, or you are gaining weight for no reason, go to your doctor. Finding out about problems early on helps you manage them better and lowers your risk of getting sick in the future.
In conclusion
PCOS is more than simply a problem with reproductive health; it also impacts millions of women throughout the world in terms of metabolism and emotions. It can be controlled well with a fast diagnosis, changes to your lifestyle, and help from professionals.
Learn more about yourself and take tiny steps every day to regulate your hormones and improve your health.
📚 Stay tuned to News Heaven for more health insights and lifestyle updates.
Also read: Kidney Health Alert: 8 Common Signs of Kidney Damage You Should Never Ignore
