Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), also known as polycystic ovary disease, functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, ovarian hyperthecosis, sclerocystic ovary syndrome, and Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organization, PCOS affects an estimated 116 million women worldwide as of 2010.
Women with PCOS may have irregular menstrual periods or elevated male hormone (androgen) levels. The ovaries may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) and fail to regularly release eggs. This hormone imbalance can affect women’s ability to bear a child and it can also cause acne, unwanted hair growth on the face and body, and may increase the risk of other serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Aside from high levels of androgens, women who have excess weight or being overweight and whose mother and sister have type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop PCOS.
The exact causes of PCOS are not known at this time but factors such as excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, heredity, and high levels of androgen play a part. Complications may also include infertility, gestational diabetes, miscarriage, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, metabolic syndromes including high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding and cancer of the uterine lining.
Now, do women need to be afraid of this condition? Not really because somehow PCOS is manageable. Lifestyle changes are the first treatments doctors recommend to women diagnosed with PCOS. Making healthy changes such as losing weight if you’re overweight is the most effective method of restoring normal ovulation and menstruation. Engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet can lower your risk for type 2 diabetes. It can also help prevent or delay other health problems. Doctors may also recommend medicines that can help you ovulate, as well as reduce acne and hair growth and help with weight loss. Just be yourself and be conscious of your health!
-PNC-ZDN Rowence F. Zorilla
References:
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439
2. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Insights Into Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Pharmacological And Non-Pharmacological Treatment
https://www.openaccessjournals.com/articles/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-insights-into-pathogenesis-diagnosis-prognosis-pharmacological-and-nonpharmacological-treatment.html#:~:text=Epidemiology%20of%20PCOS&text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20estimates,were%20previously%20undiagnosed%20%5B7%5D.
3. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html