The change in one’s years bring a continuous change in environment, surroundings, food and health. Issues related to mental health and physical health are very common nowadays. But one more important factor to keep one's focus on are gynaecological issues. One such issue that plagues women is PCOS, but what is it? Read on to find out:
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It's a hormonal issue that messes with your periods and makes it harder to get pregnant. It hits women during their prime baby-making years, between 15 and 44. Up to one-in-four women in this age group have PCOS, and many don't even know it.
Normally, your ovaries crank out eggs and hormones like clockwork. But with PCOS, things get out of whack. Your ovaries grow a bunch of tiny cysts and start pumping out more male hormones than usual. This disrupts the whole cycle, making your periods irregular or non-existent.
What causes PCOS is a bit of a mystery, but doctors think it has to do with genes, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Insulin resistance means your body struggles to use insulin, a hormone that helps your cells use sugar for energy. When your cells don't use insulin properly, your body ramps up production to try and make up for it. This extra insulin can mess with your ovaries and make them produce more male hormones.
The symptoms of PCOS can be a real drag. You might get irregular or skipped periods, have excessive hair growth on your face and body, struggle with acne, and gain weight more easily. PCOS can also up your risk for other health problems down the line, like diabetes and heart disease.
If you think you might have PCOS, see a doctor. They can do some tests to diagnose it and help you manage your symptoms. There's no cure for PCOS, but there are ways to treat it, like losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Birth control pills and medications like metformin can also help regulate your hormones and improve your symptoms.