Know About PCOS And Its Underlying Symptoms

Medically Reviewed by DR. RASHMI GR , MBBS, Diploma in Diabetes Management August 4, 2023

Last updated on August 3rd, 2023

Are you prepared for a mesmerizing journey into the world of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and how it can impact your body? So, here we start. PCOS is a hormonal problem that results in enlarged cysts (small growths) and ovaries. In PCOS, an individual has more androgens or hormones accountable for producing male sexual characteristics in their body. It’s like a mini-exploration going on inside your body!

Raised levels of androgens in individuals with PCOS may result in a range of signs, including abnormal periods, skin changes, increased body hair, and weight gain. A person may also have just one sign, a range of signs, or all of them. In a few cases, individuals may not have any signs, making diagnosing the problem challenging.

PCOS might not always be a visible medical problem. Some individuals would only find out about their condition when they are experiencing issues in conceiving or when they look for medical help in relation to skin problems or weight loss. Even if the condition might occur during the age of 20 or 30, PCOS may also occur in the early teenage years.

But do not worry! While PCOS can bring surprises, knowing its effects can make it easy for you to control the problem. By working with an expert team of doctors, dieticians, nutritionists, and health coaches, you can discover different approaches like lifestyle changes, medicines, and even hormone therapies to manage PCOS symptoms. Hence, you can find your own path to balance your body changes. And such an expertise platform can be Breathe Well-Being, a digital therapeutic program. This plan delivers customized interventions to fight the root cause of your problem – Insulin Resistance !!!! It makes use of personalized coaches and a community approach. The platform encourages people to track their health parameters, weight and physical activity.

Symptoms of PCOS Problem in FemalesSymptoms of PCOS problem in females

Menstrual Changes

One of the major symptoms of PCOS is a change in the pattern of menstrual periods. Changes in periods may occur when a female is not ovulating on a regular basis, which is a process that takes place when the ovaries liberate an egg. When a female does not ovulate, the uterine lining might become thicker and shed intermittently. Consequently, this abnormal shedding may add to menstrual changes.

These changes can be:

  • Random periods
  • Missed periods in total (a condition called amenorrhea)
  • Periods occurring more often
  • A very light or a very heavy flow

Weight Gain

Issues linked to weight are other symptoms of PCOS problems in females. Suppose a female observes that she is gaining pounds (10 or more over some months) without incorporating dietary modifications or changes in the exercise routine. In that case, PCOS might likely cause weight gain. Nearly 1/2 of all individuals with PCOS are overweight or obese.

Also, females may find some problems in losing weight despite making healthy lifestyle modifications. While this indicates other medical issues, you should begin to track one’s eating and exercise habits. And for this, Breathe Well-Being would be your great companion to reach your weight loss goals. Breathe works on the mechanism of digital therapeutics to deal with the complex situation of type 2 diabetes and related problems like obesity. Patients become more aware and happier through this platform, and their overall healthy lifestyle has also improved. That, too, is using a natural lifestyle modification instead of being stuck on medicines for life.

Infertility

A research study found that 60.2% of people with PCOS reported infertility issues. Infertility is a problem in getting pregnant. And PCOS is found to be the basic reason for infertility, and individuals might not be aware that they have it until they are trying to get pregnant. Infertility may take place because of an irregularity in sex hormones. Having an excess androgen level might have an effect on the frequency of ovulation. And this makes it challenging for the eggs to mature and conceive a baby. And, so, there is a high rate of marriage in females with PCOS.

To overcome this issue of infertility naturally, do you know that diet changes play a significant role? Dietary changes can potentially improve fertility outcomes. Following a healthy and nutrient-dense diet can help manage insulin resistance, a significant risk factor for PCOS. And for expert help related to nutrition, you can always connect with health coaches at Breathe Well-Being. They can create a customized diet and fitness plan for you best suited to your daily needs.

Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

All three problems occur commonly in PCOS. Anxiety, stress, and depression are the next set of PCOS problem symptoms. This might happen because of hormonal changes. Many females with PCOS deal with signs, for example, too much body hair and weight that may affect their body image and self-esteem. This might be unpleasant, particularly if they don’t know how and where to get support.

In addition, females might experience anxiety or depression if they plan to have a child (or more kids) and PCOS results in fertility problems. Stress is when a person experiences feelings of threat or cannot deal with a situation. A slight level of anxiety may motivate you to act. However, stress in excess may affect health also.

Anxiety is a disagreeable feeling of fear, uneasiness, or worry that something terrible will happen or is happening. For a few people, these feelings may become intense and constant. Constant feelings of anxiety may also hinder daily life. Depression is another PCOS problem symptom that negatively affects the thinking and how a person acts or feels. Individuals with depression suffer from continuous and intense thoughts or negative feelings. Depression may even stop a person from performing daily activities like eating or sleeping. Also, it may even make it challenging for a person to function emotionally and physically.

Many people face problems sleeping well. This can be due to many reasons; sugar spikes and dips can also make one feel restless. Also, people with diabetes urinate quite often, and they fail to realize that it might indicate undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. You can be free from all these health hurdles in a simple way. Remember, there is a way to rejuvenate your overall well-being with Breathe Well-Being’s Diabetes Reversal Program.

Insulin Resistance

Obesity often occurs due to insulin resistance, another common PCOS symptom. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. This hormone helps cells in fat, muscles, liver take in glucose (sugar) from the blood and convert it into energy. Insulin resistance may occur when these body cells experience a difficult time reacting to insulin. And this causes increased blood sugar levels; over half of the females with PCOS develop type 2 diabetes by their 40s. High insulin level is both a sign of PCOS and an original biological driver. Weight loss would also aid in improving the signs regardless of the cause of insulin resistance.

Luckily, there are several things a person can do by which his or her insulin sensitivity can be increased, reversing insulin resistance, a major risk factor of type 2 diabetes. For expert help regarding type 2 diabetes and its reversal, you can connect with Breathe Well-Being, a holistic reversal program for diabetes. It includes synchronization of diet, coaching, peer support, and community challenges to help build lasting healthy habits.

Skin Changes

It’s not unusual for individuals with PCOS to experience skin changes. Usually, there are 2 fundamental skin problems associated with PCOS, including:

Acanthosis Nigricans

This skin problem causes the development of dark, thick patches or tags on one’s skin. This skin issue takes place due to insulin resistance. A person might observe skin tags or patches where the body creases, like the neck, armpits, groin, or breasts.

Acne

Androgens in excessive amounts may lead to severe or painful acne, which arises later in life, occurs repeatedly, and is resistant to treatment. If one experiences acne, one may observe the development of pimples on the chest, face, or back regions.

Read More: Normal Blood Sugar Level for Adults Agewise.

PCOS Problem Symptoms In AdolescentsPCOS problem symptoms in Adolescents

PCOS commonly triggers in people when they are 20 years or 30 years of age. They may develop PCOS in their teenage years. Teens ranging from 6% to 18% may develop PCOS. Adolescents are expected to experience signs that mimic PCOS problem symptoms in adults, like abnormal periods, acne, hirsutism, and ovarian cysts. Yet, PCOS may be difficult to diagnose in adolescence as signs such as irregular periods appear normal among individuals just starting menstruating.

Read More: What is Glycemic Index And To Calculate?

How To Treat PCOS?

Weight management is essential! If a female is overweight or obese, weight management via healthy eating and daily exercise may help regularize the menstrual cycle and improve fertility. Breathe Well-Being is a well-researched type 2 diabetes reversal program. It will help you fight the root cause of your PCOS, Insulin Resistance !!! The program covers lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and sleep management. Anyone can reach their weight loss goals by adopting a healthy and balanced diet, rich in nutrient-dense foods and low in processed sugars and carbs.

Read More: Top 10 Natural Remedies For Diabetes?

Conclusion

PCOS is a hormonal medical problem that arises when a female has high androgen levels. This brings about a range of signs like too much hair growth or loss, skin problems, insulin resistance, weight gain, menstrual changes, and infertility. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. PCOS may be a riddle, but by joining hands, we can solve its mysteries and jump the unique turns and twists it accompanies. 

FAQs:

Is There Any Link Between PCOS And Insulin Resistance?

Yes, females with PCOS are often insulin resistant; their bodies can produce insulin but fail to use it efficiently. And this increases their risk for type 2 diabetes.

 

When Do PCOS Signs Develop?

Even though PCOS is a common hormonal problem seen in females, it may give rise to hormonal and metabolism issues that go overlooked until a female tries to conceive but fails. This implies that many females find out they suffer from PCOS in their 20s and 30s. Still, it may develop during any of the puberty years.

 

What Body Organs Get Affected By PCOS?

PCOS is a multi-organ disorder that affects many endocrine organs, such as the endocrine pancreas, ovaries, adrenals, pituitary, and fat cells.

What Is The Major Problem With PCOS?

PCOS commonly occurs in females of childbearing age. Females with PCOS might not ovulate and notice high levels of androgens. Apart from these, they might observe many small cysts on their ovaries. PCOS may result in missed or abnormal menstrual periods, acne, weight gain, too much hair growth, and infertility.

 

What Are The Triggers For PCOS Problem Symptoms?

Factors can be low-grade inflammation, genetic factors, insulin resistance, or too much androgen.

 

Last Updated on by Dr. Damanjit Duggal 

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