Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects one in 10 women. What happens here is that a woman develops a number of cysts in her ovaries, but is unable to release a mature egg required for fertilization and pregnancy. A PCOS affected ovary contains multiple tiny ovarian cysts instead of just one cyst as in a normal ovary. It is not inherited. But 20% may have a mother with PCOS. PCOS has no treatment as such, but losing weight and exercising regularly can normalise menstrual cycle.
What is the common symptom of PCOS?
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The common symptoms of PCOS are all of the above. Diabetes, acne, weight gain, oily skin, heart problems, irregular periods and migraines are other common symptoms. Many women with PCOS are resistant to the action of the hormone insulin used for sugar metabolism. Insulin resistance means that it takes larger than normal amounts of insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Hence, women with PCOS are at an increased risk for diabetes and heart disease, both. As women with PCOS have insulin resistance, they should stick to a diet that a diabetic is advised to follow. That means more fiber, fewer carbs, trans-fats and hydrogenated or saturated oils. Hence, women with PCOS are at increased risk of both Diabetes mellitus and Heart disease.
A vaginal ultrasound is the only way to diagnose PCOS.
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There is no one definitive test for PCOS. PCOS diagnosis needs the following: 1) Irregular periods 2) Signs Of excess androgen/male hormone in the body, clinically or blood tests. Signs include facial and body hair growth, scalp hair loss, severe acne/pimples, skin darkening at neck and armpits. Weight gain may or may not be there. Usually, most women are diagnosed with PCOS when they are unable to conceive or when they have delayed periods. Some women have cystic ovaries on ultrasound, without other features of PCOS. They cannot be labeled as having PCOS. This is wrongly done in many cases.
Age affects fertility in:
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It's true that some men can become new fathers in their 60s or later. But research shows their biological clocks tick, too. Women become less fertile after age 35. The reason: As they get older, they have fewer eggs, and the eggs become less healthy. Fertility changes in men don't happen as suddenly, but age can still affect a man's ability to have sex and the health of his sperm.
Women with PCOS have heavy vaginal bleeding
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Heavy vaginal bleeding occurs in women with PCOS because they don t ovulate and produce the hormone Progesterone as normal women do. Hence, they do not have a normal period. The lining of their uteri can become thick and the cells become crowded, leading to heavy bleeding and sometimes uterine cancer. PCOS affected women must get themselves tested for uterine cancer as they are at higher risk of developing it.
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