WHAT IS PCOS (POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME)? WHAT ARE ITS SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES?

PCOS is a common disorder affecting women of menstruating age. Read more to understand the causes, common symptoms, warning signs, associated complications, and precautions to reduce the severity/delay the onset of PCOS. An increasing number of women in the menstruating age group are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. But, first, let's dive into what PCOS is and what causes, symptoms, and precautions are associated with it.

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a common condition affecting women and their hormonal balances. If left untreated, it can cause problems with menstruation and may even affect the ability to conceive. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, in general, affects the physical, mental, and emotional health of women suffering from it due to its posthumous effects on hormones. 

PCOS, also known as PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disorder), is primarily related to an overproduction of male hormones, higher than usual, which makes the body more regulated in the production of other hormones, causing them to skip menstrual cycles. This causes difficulty in conception as there is no egg being released from the ovary to fertilize.

Are PCOS and PCOD the same?

While people get confused between them, almost using them interchangeably, that doesn't change the fact that they are fundamentally different despite their similarities in symptoms and causes. Before we can understand the difference between the two, let's look at some basic facts.

The menstrual cycle consists of 2 organs, called ovaries, that are majorly responsible for the entire event. These ovaries contain eggs and release one mature egg every month in hopes that it will be fertilized and culminate into a pregnancy. Simultaneously, a lining in the uterus is built in preparation for a nurturing environment if the egg gets fertilized and then implanted onto the uterus wall. However, when the egg fails to fertilize, it is released, and then this lining destroys itself by shedding through the vagina - a process called menstruation. 

Now that we have understood the basics of menstruation and the associated mechanisms let us look at PCOS and PCOD and the cause of PCOS and PCOD.

What is PCOD, and what is the leading cause of PCOD?

Ideally, each ovary releases a mature egg alternatively every month. In a typical scenario, the ovaries produce male hormones (also called androgens) in minute quantities. However, when affected with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, the ovaries accidentally release unwanted and under-developed eggs, which turn into cysts. Due to this, the ovaries become enlarged and produce excess amounts of these androgens.

You will observe an onslaught of symptoms like abdominal weight gain, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss leading to thinning of hair, and infertility. 

What is PCOS, and what is the leading cause of PCOS?

After reading the above text, you may think, well, that sounds exactly like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. That is because structurally and symptom-wise, both are pretty similar. In PCOS, the ovaries produce higher-than-normal androgens by themselves, affecting the development and release of the eggs. Some of the eggs fill up with liquid and become cysts. The symptomatology is very similar to PCOD. Again, you will be wondering if these two sound the same. However, the nature of these two differs in their management. 

PCOS is a serious condition. It is a metabolic disorder that might require medication for the management of the overproduction of hormones. 

PCOD is something that can be managed with the proper diet and exercise.

Common symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

While ideal observations of symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome develop from puberty, no woman's body is the same. There have been varying reports about the development of symptoms as well as their nature. PCOD symptoms show up in response to lifestyle changes, and significant weight gain, for example. 

Symptoms include:

- Irregular periods or prolonged period cycles - extending up to more than 35 days between periods. 

- Heavy periods. Since the uterine lining builds for longer, it sheds more and results in heavier bleeding.

- More missed periods than usual. Some women have reported having less than nine periods in a year.

- Excessive androgen production in the body is demonstrated by masculine features such as darker skin increases.

- Excess facial and body hair, thicker and coarser hair on the face, back, belly, and chest. It is called Hirsutism.

- Severe acne due to oilier skin.

- Weight gain.

- Extreme hair fall and thinning of hair.

What can you do to reduce the severity of your periods?

Irregular and heavier, painful periods are a trademark of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reducing the pain is needed in such cases. Doctors prescribe taking over-the-counter (OTC) Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, etc., for pain relief and PCOS treatment. There are also various home remedies you can try, such as massage or stretching muscles to help with the muscle tension of your uterus. Period tablets can help to relieve pain. Exercise can support healthy body weight in PCOS-affected women. It will also help in the production of endorphins which provide pain relief. 

You can also try pain strips, heating pads, and other heat-based techniques to help loosen up tight muscles.

Effects of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the body

Long-term, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can result in painful conditions like obesity, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Some further complications from PCOS include depression, endometrial cancer, chronic inflammation, untreatable acne, etc. 

One of the significant problems with PCOS is that it affects the ability of a woman to conceive appropriately, and even then, it affects their chances of having a viable pregnancy. Miscarriages are common in women who have PCOS. However, consulting a gynecologist and preparing for pregnancy under their guidance can significantly improve chances. To reduce menstruation pains, opt for PCOS medicine or PCOS tablets.

Conclusion

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is highly common and easily treatable. There is no fixed cause as it is equally impacted by genetics and environmental factors. Doctors recommend PCOS medications that aid a healthier lifestyle and healthier future under the right guidance and with proper care. 

While there is no PCOS cure, medicines like Metformin and NSAIDs have worked miracles with women suffering from PCOS. Apart from that, seeking physician help as soon as possible can reduce your chances of developing PCOS complications. PCOS medication also helps manage symptoms and pain. However, for more optimal results, you will have to make significant changes in your lifestyle.