Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the conditions that affects the health of the human female. Although the diagnosis is translated in full Turkish as 'many cysts seen in the ovaries', people with Polycystic Ovary do not have to show symptoms, in fact, many of them can spend their lives unaware of this situation. It's hard to say exactly how many people have PCOS (or PCOS); however, according to the statistics we can reach, PCOS, which is seen in an average of 10 people in reproductive age (from menarche to menopause), is a hormonal disorder that affects a person's menstrual pattern, fertility, heart, veins and physical appearance.
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown; However, it is mentioned that factors such as genetics, hormones and lifestyle play a role. What you eat and how physically active you are can also affect the situation.
It is stated that hormonal imbalances can cause PCOS, and in this context, insulin and androgen hormones are mentioned. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. If cells gain resistance to insulin action (insulin resistance), blood sugar can rise and the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin can also increase androgen production, causing ovulation difficulties. Insulin resistance, on the other hand, can increase the tendency to gain weight and cause the difficulty of losing weight, which can put the PCOS situation in a dead end. Because excess fat disrupts insulin metabolism, causing the body to produce more insulin. A vicious circle! Androgen excess also causes hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and acne :(
PCOS symptoms
PCOS is a difficult ailment to detect as its symptoms differ from person to person; but the most obvious and known findings are as follows:
▪️Intermittent and irregular menstrual cycle or very light periods
▪️Ovaries with large or multiple cysts
▪️Hair growth in areas such as chest, abdomen and back (Hirsutism)
▪️Adiposity and weight gain, especially around the waist
▪️Acne or oily skin
▪️ Baldness and sparse hair as seen in men
▪️Infertility or difficulty conceiving
What is PCOS treatment?
There is currently no one-size-fits-all treatment for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The treatment method differs from person to person according to the symptoms observed. According to research, PCOS can increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. That's why treatment is important. If you are observing at least 2 or 3 of the above symptoms, we recommend that you consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist.
