Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: How to Manage

Recognize the symptoms and indicators
Despite being a prevalent hormonal condition in women, polycystic ovarian syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed by medical professionals. Some females exhibit very little symptoms, if any. Some have many more, such as irregular or nonexistent periods, hirsutism (excessive face or body hair growth), obesity, and infertility, however, these could be misinterpreted as symptoms of other medical disorders. Period irregularities are a significant symptom. Periods can occur every two months, more seldom (more than 35 days apart), or not at all for months at a time. They could be so light or so heavy as to induce anemia. If you additionally have acne that doesn't go away or more face or body hair growth, you might have PCOS. These indicate an overabundance of testosterone. 

Understand the steps required in PCOS diagnosis.
There is no one diagnostic test for PCOS, and the criteria needed to establish a diagnosis are not usually agreed upon by professionals. According to the Androgen Excess Society, a high androgen level is necessary for a PCOS diagnosis. Although androgen is frequently associated with men, women naturally contain it as well. On the other hand, severe acne and excessive body or facial hair can result from excess androgen. To determine your levels, your doctor could prescribe a blood test. 

Moreover, one of the subsequent options:

Ovulation is missing or infrequent. The ovary normally produces an egg once a month, however in patients with PCOS, excessive androgen hormone may interfere with or completely cease this process.

An ultrasound scan of your ovaries revealed twelve or more cysts.

Recognise the potential effects of PCOS on fertility
One of the most prevalent reasons for female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is characterised by irregular or absent ovulation. It's challenging to schedule intercourse at your most fertile moment if your ovulation is erratic. Conversely, you should make sure you don't have unprotected intercourse during that fertile period if you want to avoid getting pregnant. Because PCOS patients might ovulate spontaneously at any time, using birth control is crucial to preventing unintentional pregnancies. 

Try to reduce your weight if you have PCOS and are trying to get pregnant. Reducing even five percent of your total body weight can have positive effects on your fertility, ovulation, and androgen levels. It can also help you control your menstrual cycle.

Your doctor could suggest inducing ovulation as a first-line treatment for infertility if you have PCOS and want to become pregnant. A physician will frequently recommend Clomid or clomiphene citrate. If Clomid is unable to cause ovulation, another oral medication called letrozole or an injectable treatment may be utilized. All put PCOS-afflicted women at higher risk of having twins or multiple babies. Your doctor could advise trying a surgical technique that utilizes heat or a laser to destroy small sections of your ovary if all other treatments are ineffective. 

Think about potential therapies.
PCOS cannot be cured. Your symptoms and desire to become a parent will determine how you are treated.

Birth control tablets are the first line of treatment if you are not sure if you want children or if you are not ready for pregnancy. The hormones in the pill will keep your uterine lining from thickening, which lowers your chance of endometrial cancer. Additionally, the pill lowers blood levels of androgen, which helps with acne and excessive facial hair development. In the event that the pill is ineffective in treating acne and hirsutism, the diuretic spironolactone can block androgen receptors and offer relief. It's critical to utilise birth control while taking spironolactone because it may result in birth abnormalities. 

Metformin is a drug that is commonly used to treat or prevent diabetes. It also lowers testosterone, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps regulate menstruation. It has the potential to reinstate regular menstruation in 50–70% of PCOS-affected individuals.

Take an active role in your personal care. Engaging in your care is the greatest method to manage the effects of PCOS on your health and encourage wellness.

Track your periods.

Understand your family history. 

Embrace a healthy lifestyle

Mind your mental health.

 

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