Ovarian polycyst syndrome (PCOS)

What Is PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

PCOS, also known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, is a prevalent health issue that can afflict young girls and women throughout their teen years. Periods may become heavier, less regular, or even stop as a result of it. Additionally, a girl may get acne and extra hair as a result.

What Leads to PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

Although doctors are unsure of the exact origin, PCOS appears to be linked to an imbalance in a girl's hormones.

Sex hormones are produced by both men and women, but in different proportions. The hormones estrogen, progesterone, and androgens like testosterone are all produced by the ovaries in females. Androgens are also produced by the adrenal glands. These tiny glands are located above each kidney. These hormones control a girl's ovulation and menstrual cycle (when the egg is released).

Androgens, frequently referred to as "male hormones," are also produced by the female body. The body produces more androgens than usual in girls with PCOS. According to research, the body may produce too much insulin, which would cause the ovaries to release more male hormones.

If someone in your family has PCOS, you might be more likely to have it yourself as the condition appears to run in families as well.

What Takes Place in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)?

The release and development of eggs may be hampered by the elevated levels of androgens that occur in PCOS. Sometimes cysts (small sacs filled with fluids) develop in place of the eggs developing. The cysts then grow inside the ovaries during ovulation rather than being expelled like an egg would during a regular cycle. Ovaries with polycystic cysts may grow. Many women with PCOS experience irregular or skipped periods because they may not be ovulating or releasing an egg every month.

What issues might be brought on by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS-positive females are more likely to:

• have trouble becoming pregnant. When a woman decides she wants to get pregnant, this is treatable.
• experience acne or see their acne get worse when they have excessive hair growth in areas like the face, chest, or belly.
• be obese
• develop excessive blood pressure, diabetes, or a heart condition
• suffer from obstructive sleep apnea
• PCOS cannot be cured, but it can be managed.

What are the symptoms and signs of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?

Period irregularities or missed periods are a major PCOS symptom. An affected girl may stop ovulating as a result of PCOS's effects on the ovaries. Because it might take up to 2 years for any girl's cycle to become regular after her first period, PCOS cannot be identified until 2-3 years following a girl's first menstrual cycle.

Though many PCOS-afflicted girls can conceive if they engage in sex. Therefore, if you engage in sexual activity, wear condoms each time you have sex to prevent getting pregnant or contracting an STD (STD). (Of course, whether you have PCOS or not, this is vital.)

Not simply the ovaries of a girl might change as a result of unbalanced hormone levels. Doctors therefore additionally look for these other PCOS symptoms:

• gaining weight, being obese, or having trouble staying at a healthy weight, particularly when the excess weight is focused around the waist
• a condition known as hirsutism, in which a girl develops additional hair on her face, chest, belly, nipple area, or back (a little of this is normal for most girls, though)
• hair loss on the head (alopecia)
• Acne and clogged pores, which are indicators of insulin resistance, can cause darker, thicker skin around the breasts, armpits, or neck.
• diabetes mellitus, excessive cholesterol, or high blood pressure (high blood sugar levels)
• Girls who experience early puberty symptoms, such as pubic or underarm hair before the age of 8, may subsequently develop PCOS at a higher risk.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Your doctor could suggest that you see a gynecologist or an endocrinologist for a diagnosis if they suspect that you have PCOS.

Your problems and symptoms, your past health, the health of your family, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other difficulties will all be discussed with the gynecologist or endocrinologist. Additionally, you will be questioned extensively about your menstruation and its frequency. The medical history is what we refer to as.

Additionally, your doctor will perform a physical examination during which time they will weigh you and check for physical indicators like acne, hair growth, and darker skin. A gynecologic exam may be performed by the doctor to rule out other potential reasons of your symptoms, but it is not necessarily required for diagnosis.

Blood tests may be requested by doctors to rule out other illnesses, such as thyroid or other ovarian or gland issues, or to help them diagnosis PCOS.

To check your ovaries for cysts or other issues, your doctor may prescribe a pelvic ultrasound, a painless, safe procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the pelvis. This test isn't routinely performed because cysts aren't always evident.

What is the treatment for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?

PCOS cannot be cured, but there are several strategies to treat and control it.

Fitness and Diet

Changing one's lifestyle is advised by a doctor if a girl is obese or overweight. Weight loss can be highly helpful in reducing the severity of several health issues connected to PCOS, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

In order to develop a weight-loss plan for you, your doctor or a qualified dietitian can examine your food intake as well as your exercise and activity levels. To increase your body's sensitivity to insulin and stop the onset of diabetes, exercise is crucial.

Medication Sometimes, PCOS is treated with medication prescribed by a doctor. To assist manage testosterone levels in the body and control a girl's menstrual cycle, a doctor may suggest that she initially try birth control pills. Birth control pills don't always work; some girls may use them to reduce acne and excessive hair growth. The effectiveness of birth control treatment may not be known for up to six months.

Antiandrogens are occasionally used to treat PCOS as well. These medications can aid with skin and hair growth issues as well as combat the negative effects of too much androgen on a girl's body.

Metformin, a medication for diabetes, can reduce insulin levels. It can aid in regulating ovulation and androgen levels in some PCOS girls. A girl may experience more regular menstrual cycles as a result.

Always take your medications along with the suggested lifestyle modifications.

What Are My Options for Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

It can be difficult on a girl's self-esteem to have PCOS. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ease the emotional effects of having PCOS as well as the medical symptoms.

Many females' excessive hair growth will be slowed or stopped by PCOS medications. Additionally, many products can assist in removing hair from unwanted areas. Cream depilators can delicately remove facial hair from the chin or upper lip. To avoid getting an allergic reaction or a rash, carefully follow the directions.

Excessive hair growth can be controlled by waxing and tweezing either at home or in a salon. Electrolysis and laser surgery procedures can be used by a dermatologist (a physician who specializes in skin disorders) or skilled hair removal specialist to permanently remove unwanted hair, although they are more expensive.

Severe acne may improve with birth control pill or antiandrogen therapy. If it doesn't, your doctor might suggest that you seek treatment from a dermatologist. A dermatologist might also suggest medications to lessen skin coloring or darkening as well as to stop hair growth.

Some PCOS patients may experience depression, in which case speaking with a therapist or other mental health specialist could be beneficial. A fantastic method to exchange treatment information and receive support is to speak with other teenagers and women who have PCOS. Find a nearby support group by asking your doctor or looking online.

For more information on PCOS Singapore visit https://drngkailyn.com/conditions/pcos/.

Dr Ng Kai Lyn is located at 38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth, #05-34/35 Specialist Centre, Singapore 329563, get in touch by calling 65 6011 1531.