Health Awareness: Polycyctic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
My daughter was 4 months old when I found out that I had PCOS. I was only 19 years old at that time. Being so frightened though my Ob-Gyne explained to me what it is, I still researched about it.
What is PCOS?
Defined by: Womenshealth.gov
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a common health problem caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones. The hormonal imbalance creates problems in the ovaries. The ovaries make the egg that is released each month as part of a healthy menstrual cycle. With PCOS, the egg may not develop as it should or it may not be released during ovulation as it should be.
Symptoms
- cysts in the ovaries
- Heavy bleeding / longer periods
- irregular or skipped periods
- Acne / too much oily skin
- Excess hair (usually in arms, back, chest, belly)
- Weight Gain and troubling in losing weight.
- Darkening of skin (most on the neck, under the breasts)
- Headaches (because of hormonal change)
- Fertility problems
- Depression / Anxiety / Insomnia
Cause
As my Ob-Gyne said, the doctors still don't know what causes PCOS. However, there is a study wherein in most of the women who have PCOS are stressed.
Some say that PCOS runs in the families. It may be passed by genes. Its chances are when there is a family member/s that have irregular periods also.
Prevention
1. Eat nutritional foods
Try having more vegetables, fruits, nuts.
2. Regular exercise
Make exercising a habit. Walk/jog 30-60 minutes a day.
3. Drink vitamins
More on Vitamin B if you are on birth control pills
4. Weight control
5. Quit smoking
If you're smoking, consider quitting it. It might affect your hormones.
6. Birth control pills
Consult your doctor first about this. Birth control pills reduce the symptoms, restore your normal hormone balance, regulate your menstruation cycle. However, it prescribed due to a case by case basis.
7. Follow-up check-up
This is to monitor if your PCOS treatment is working (if cysts are reduced or not).
Disclaimer:
This post is just an awareness and additional knowledge about PCOS. This is from my own knowledge and research about. If you are having the same symptoms as listed here or if you want to further know about PCOS, consult with your doctor.
Sources:
Womenshealth.gov
healthline
WebMD
Thanks for the info @redbarbiegirl. Be well.
We could spread about little things to share knowledges we have about it. :)