Polycystic ovary syndrome (or polycystic ovarian syndrome – PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition. 'Polycystic' literally translates as 'many cysts'. This refers to the many partially formed follicles on the ovaries, which each contain an egg. These rarely grow to maturity or produce eggs that can be fertilised.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a problem with hormones that happens during the reproductive years. If you have PCOS , you may not have periods very often. Or you may have periods that last many days. You may also have too much of a hormone called androgen in your body.
While all women produce some androgens, women with PCOS have higher levels of these hormones, leading to increased hair growth, acne, and weight gain. This condition can also cause irregular periods and can be associated with infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder that appears to emerge at puberty. The clinical features may include hyperandrogenism (with the clinical manifestations of oligomenorrhoea, hirsutism, and acne), ovulation disorders, and polycystic ovarian morphology.
The purpose of our study was to describe use of coping strategies in a sample of women with PCOS from a western geographic area in the US. Self-controlling, social support, planful problem-solving, and positive reappraisal were coping subscales used most frequently based on total and relative WAYS scores.
difficulty getting pregnant (because of irregular ovulation or no ovulation) excessive hair growth (hirsutism) – usually on the face, chest, back or buttocks. weight gain. thinning hair and hair loss from the head.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormonal disorder in females of reproductive age. It is characterized by two or more of the following: irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries.
Researchers believe that this can throw a woman's hormones out of whack and cause low libido and low sexual satisfaction. In some women, their sexual drive remains the same but they struggle with sexual dysfunction such as dyspareunia (pain during sex) and anorgasmia (difficulty reaching orgasm).
This includes having excess amounts of androgen hormones, like testosterone, and, in some cases, a lack of progesterone. All of this can lead to brain fog, irritability, depression, and anxiety that can be severe and debilitating. It can also lead to severe mood swings, which can cause a general feeling of instability.
In examining women with PCOS, it was found that 16% of them have major depression and 2% have bipolar disorder. Depression and anxiety are more prevalent in women with PCOS than in the general population.
PCOS affects 8–13% of reproductive age women, with around 21% of Indigenous women affected. “Obtaining a timely PCOS diagnosis is challenging for women, with many experiencing significant delays with multiple different doctors involved,” as Teede and colleagues have recently published from women around the world..
The root causes of PCOS are both hormonal and metabolic, and many of the symptoms or conditions interact. When one symptom worsens, this can cause others to worsen, and this makes it sometimes difficult to determine cause versus effect.
Common signs and symptoms of PCOS include:
Acne. Oily skin and hair. Excess hair growth on the face and body. Hair thinning or loss on the head.
As mentioned, PCOS syndrome alone is not a qualifying condition for disability claims. However, there are several health problems that can help PCOS patients qualify, including: Type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure.
Clinical manifestations of PCO include menstrual irregularities, signs of androgen excess, obesity, and sometimes hirsutism.
As previously stated, the shape of a PCOS belly differs from other types of weight gain. It often appears large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genetics and other factors. The PCOS belly involves the accumulation of visceral fat in the lower abdomen and typically feels firm to the touch.
Signs and symptoms of PCOS
Acne on your face, back, or chest. Darkening of skin on your neck, groin, or under your breasts. Excess hair on your face, chin, chest, fingers, toes, or other places where men typically have hair.
Foods to Avoid if You Have PCOS
Processed meats (ex. sausages, hamburgers, and hot dogs) Refined Carbohydrates (ex. white bread, pasta, and pastries)
Dr Priyanka adds that PCOD patients should avoid refined carbohydrates like mass-produced pastries, white bread and biscuits. They should also avoid consuming non-nutritive calories like sugary beverages such as sodas and energy drinks.