Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that is most often diagnosed by the presence of two of the three following criteria: hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries.
Diagnosis criteria
you have irregular periods or infrequent periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate) blood tests showing you have high levels of "male hormones", such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal)
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There are four types of PCOS: Insulin-resistant PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, Hidden-cause PCOS, and Pill-induced PCOS.
Beans and other protein-rich legumes instead of meat. Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens (spinach, kale, escarole, endive, lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, celery and fennel. Whole grains, such as brown rice, barley, sorghum and others.
PCOS belly refers to the abdominal fat causing an increased waist-to-hip ratio, PCOS Belly will look like an apple-shaped belly rather than a pear-shaped belly. One of the most common symptoms of PCOS is weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area.
Most women find out they have PCOS in their 20s and 30s, when they have problems getting pregnant and see their doctor. But PCOS can happen at any age after puberty. Women of all races and ethnicities are at risk of PCOS.
Evidence suggests that women with PCOS are at increased risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the tendency for women with PCOS to be overweight increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, just as obesity increases cardiovascular risk among women and men who do not have PCOS.
To determine if you have PCOS, your doctor will check that you have at least 2 of these 3 symptoms: Irregular periods or no periods, caused from lack of ovulation. Higher than normal levels of male hormones that may result in excess hair on the face and body, acne, or thinning scalp hair.
Your doctor may diagnose PCOS if you have at least two of these symptoms: Irregular periods. Higher levels of androgen (male hormones) shown in blood tests or through symptoms like acne, male-pattern balding, or extra hair growth on your face, chin, or body. Cysts in your ovaries as shown in an ultrasound exam.
blood tests to check your hormones (such as testosterone), cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood. an ultrasound scan to look at your ovaries and check for the presence of multiple cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder, affecting around 1 in 10 women of reproductive age1.
PCO is not a disease, whilst PCOS is a metabolic condition:
PCO is a variant of normal ovaries, whilst PCOS is a metabolic disorder associated with an unbalanced hormone levels released by the woman's ovaries.
Recent studies have shown that women who were diagnosed as having PCOS 30 years ago have a completely normal life expectancy. An inspection of more than 700 death certificates from women with PCOS has shown that there is no excess risk of cancer in any organ or of heart disease.
The relationship between PCOS, androgens, and stress
So when the adrenals are chronically being activated by different types of stressors, this can contribute to the overproduction of androgen hormones. Both the ovaries and the adrenal glands can contribute to high androgen levels that drive PCOS symptoms.
What are the complications of PCOS? Women with PCOS are more likely to develop certain serious health problems. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, and uterine cancer. Women with PCOS often have problems with their ability to get pregnant (fertility).
Can I Have a Flat Stomach with PCOS? As mentioned earlier, the PCOS belly shape is usually large and bloated but can also be small. This means you can have a flat stomach and still have PCOS, so watch out for other symptoms. Those with a big belly can gain a flat tummy through dietary and lifestyle changes.
PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve.
Although a majority of cases with PCOS are obese/overweight, a small but significant proportion of patients present with normal body mass index (BMI; ≤25 kg/M2) that makes diagnostic work up and therapeutic approach more difficult. These cases are termed as lean PCOS.
High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).
Fruits to Avoid With PCOS
Apricots, dried. Bananas, over-ripe.
Exercise is very important for someone who has PCOS. Exercise can help with weight loss (especially by reducing the dangerous fat around the abdomen) and reduce the risk of heart disease. Even without weight loss, exercise can improve insulin resistance.
Medications effective for weight loss (in addition to lifestyle modifications) that have been specifically studied in women with PCOS include metformin, acarbose, sibutramine, and orlistat (Xenical). Metformin is probably the first-line medication for obesity or weight reduction in patients with PCOS.