pcos symptoms

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects approximately twenty-three per cent of women in India and is characterised by high levels of testosterone and insulin in the blood. Often used interchangeably with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder), PCOS is a more serious condition. It is most commonly caused by an abnormal hormone balance, such as the excessive presence of the male hormone - androgen.  Symptoms of PCOS can include irregular menstruation, fertility issues, trouble conceiving, excessive hair growth on the face, neck, and chest and acne. If left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and consequently, cardiac problems.  There is no definitive way to diagnose PCOS, but doctors will usually assess your symptoms and prescribe blood tests to make a diagnosis. If you think you may have PCOS, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.  There is no single cure for PCOS, but there are several treatments available that can help improve the symptoms of the condition. Some common treatments include weight loss, exercise, birth control pills and hormone therapy. It is important to speak with a medical professional and chalk out the best treatment plan for you and your situation.  This article discusses in thorough detail PCOS symptoms and treatment - diagnosing it, how to manage it effectively, and help you lead a healthy life.  First, we shall start by discussing the difference between PCOD and PCOS. Symptoms of PCOS: Here are some identifiable markers of PCOS that will help you and the consulting doctor reach a proper diagnosis: Irregular or light periods.  Excessive body hair (hirsutism). Especially in the chest, neck, face and back area. Infertility Acne or Oily skin. Additionally, dark patches of skin in your underarms, neck or below the breasts are also common symptoms of PCOS. Weight gain. Especially around the abdomen. Thinning hair.  Causes of PCOS: The exact cause of PCOS is not known. However, there are certain contributing factors. They are as follows: Hereditary - genes may play a role in whether or not you acquire PCOS. If it is something that runs in your family, then it is highly likely that you may suffer from it too. Insulin resistance - insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar to enter your cells. There are circumstances when the cell becomes resistant to insulin - increasing blood sugar levels and forcing the body to produce more insulin. Excessive insulin in the body may also result in more production of androgen, the male hormone.  Chronic low-grade inflammation - many people affected by PCOS, tend to suffer from chronic inflammation. The medical practitioner needs to conduct blood tests to check for markers, such as C-reactive protein, that may indicate inflammation. Diagnosis of PCOS: The following are some of the procedures that will help your medical practitioner diagnose PCOS: Enquire about your family history and whether your other family members have experienced symptoms of PCOS. Make a note of all the symptoms that you are experiencing. Perform a physical examination to check for physical signs and symptoms of PCOS such as excessive facial hair and acne. The doctor may order a blood test to check for hormone levels in your blood. Some common tests are: 1. DHEA / testosterone blood test (used to measure the level of testosterone or androgen irregularities).  2. TSH test to rule out other possibilities. It measures T3 and T4 hormones, a low level of which causes menstrual changes like PCOS.  3. Lipid Panel Test since people with PCOS usually have a high level of cholesterol.  Doctors may also order an ultrasound of your pelvic area to check for symptoms such as enlarged ovaries. Consider visiting Metropolis Healthcare to gain access to the above-mentioned test packages. Enter your city name and book a specific test or related test package, all at once. What are the Treatment Options for PCOS? Your treatment for the symptoms of PCOS will vary according to your needs. The doctor will help you chalk it out. Treatment may include - Medication for blocking the effects of androgen. This will help prevent excessive hair growth and acne. If you do not have plans to conceive, then hormonal birth control may be an option. If you plan on getting pregnant, then drugs to aid ovulation, surgery, or IVF procedures may be helpful. Your medical practitioner may ask you to introduce lifestyle changes as well. Diet for PCOS: Here are some dietary changes you can adopt: Introduce more fibres. It may help fight insulin resistance by slowing down the effects of sugar. Examples are - lettuce, peppers, almonds, sweet potatoes, etc. Food that helps reduce inflammation may also be helpful. Examples are - salmon, sardines, olive oil, tomatoes, etc. Limit refined carbs as they can increase inflammation. Try to reduce food made of white flour or sugary substances. Bottom Line: Under proper medical guidance, treatment and lifestyle changes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is completely manageable. Keeping a tab on hormone or sugar levels may be necessary for people suffering from this condition. Hence, getting in touch with reliable testing centres is a necessity. Metropolis Healthcare helps you get your blood check ups done from the comfort of your home. With 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles with 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians, Metropolis Healthcare offers accurate and reliable diagnostic solutions. 

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders faced by women today, mostly in reproductive age. While there is no cure for PCOS, research suggests that certain dietary and lifestyle changes can help you manage the condition better. If you have PCOS, your doctor may recommend a personalised PCOS diet plan to help prevent the symptoms and potential complications that may occur due to the condition's associated hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Hustling at home and workplace? Ladies, do not ignore your health amidst these priorities! Book a comprehensive health check up here. PCOS symptoms to watch out for Many who suffer from this know what it is and what its symptoms are, but there are many who are not even aware that they suffer from it. So to begin with, let’s discuss what exactly it is. PCOS is considered a syndrome since it has various manifestations, including:   Irregular periods, missed periods or very light periods Ovaries that are large or have many cysts. Excessive body hair, including the face, chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism) Weight gain, especially around the belly (abdomen) Pimples Hair loss Fertility issues At large, infrequent or irregular menstrual periods remain the primary concern which brings women to the doctor’s office. Ignoring it may lead to several other complications like diabetes, infertility, sleep apnea, depression, cancer, and heart-related problems. To reduce the risk, it’s always best to consult a gynaecologist and start treatment as soon as you become aware of the problem. Foods to include in your diet Women with PCOS need to follow a diet where their nutritional needs are met while maintaining a healthy weight. Here is a look at the most important points while planning your daily diet in PCOS: A low glycemic index (GI) diet: Foods with low GI get digested slowly and blood sugar rises gradually and slowly, thus insulin levels rise at a much slower rate. The improvement in insulin levels seems to be beneficial for PCOS. Any unprocessed low carbohydrate food, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and legumes all come under this category. An anti-inflammatory diet: A diet that reduces fatigue and inflammation-related symptoms is helpful too. Here consuming berries, leafy greens, and extra virgin oil is recommended by experts. The DASH diet: Or what is known as the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension- also helps to manage PCOS. Foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar are a big NO. A Dash diet is rich in whole grains, seasonal fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, fish, and poultry. Basically, whatever harms your heart, increases weight, and dysregulates insulin levels are to be avoided. Instead, what should be included in your daily food are the following- 1. Natural unprocessed foods enable vitamin absorption, and healthy nutrient intake and lead to weight loss. 2. High-fibre foods like oats and millets can lower cholesterol and inflammation in the body as well as stabilise blood sugar levels. 3. Fish –salmon, tuna, sardines, and foods rich in vitamins can aid in improving insulin resistance and decrease the severity of symptoms associated with PCOS. 4. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and mustard leaves which are low in the glycaemic index but rich in phytochemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants can be eaten raw as in salads or pureed and made into exotic dishes. 5. Coloured fruits– red grapes, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, papaya, melon, are all rich in antioxidants and fibre but low in glycemic index and as such can prove helpful for PCOS patients.  They also satisfy the sweet cravings. But going on an only fruit diet or consuming only fruits is not recommended. It’s better to eat most fruits with their skin and avoid drinking juices as the latter don’t have fibres and usually increase the sugar level faster than when we eat them. 6. Vegetables- broccoli, cauliflower, avocados, green beans, and carrots which are a rich source of magnesium, help to boost immunity and prevent obesity so are good for people suffering from PCOS. At least try to eat 25 gms of such veggies daily.   7. Legumes- dried beans like rajma, lentils, moong, and split peas all work to lower inflammation and insulin levels so ladies should include them in their diet. 8. Healthy fats- olive oil, coconuts, and vegetable oils with low omega 6 fatty acids help to increase hormone production, and fat is a biological necessity that aids in vitamin absorption and improving brain and heart function. 9. Nuts – pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios all have the right balance of mono-saturated fats to help balance female hormones and should be consumed in moderation. 10. Chocolate- dark ones in moderation work as antioxidants, and hence curtail the effects of PCOS. 11. Spices- turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, cumin, and saffron have proven to be very effective in dealing with PCOS, and including them in your daily diet is very beneficial for anyone’s health. Include most of the above-mentioned food in your daily diet in different combinations- the result should be to maintain a stable weight with controlled insulin levels. Eat small meals but at regular intervals. Foods to exclude from your diet All said and done, it is also necessary to know what should be avoided – what should be excluded from your diet. For unless one does that it’s no use eating healthy and negating the whole effect by eating unhealthy food too. Certain food that should be avoided in dealing with PCOS are- 1.     Bakery products made using saturated fats 2.     Fried and fast food 3.     Sugary beverages and ready to drink energy drinks 4.     Processed meats 5.     Unhealthy fats that raises cholesterol like trans-fat 6.     Excess red meat A good-balanced diet plays a pivotal role in dealing with the consequences of PCOS, especially losing weight, and controlling inflammation and insulin levels. The right diet can heal and help in dealing with PCOS better! Make healthy choices in your daily eating.