PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is one of the most common hormonal imbalances faced by women all over the world. It is a health condition in which several cysts occur in the ovaries of the women resulting in hormonal changes like irregular periods, weight gain, excess facial growth, obesity, thinning of hairs, acne, male pattern baldness, etc. If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is necessary to consult the specialists before making any conclusion. In this article, we have mentioned some of the interesting facts about PCOS. Let’s scroll further to know the details.
1. Anxiety and Depression
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a health issue related to the hormonal disorder in women in which the cysts are formed on the outer edges of the ovaries affecting the fertility of women to a large extent. It is observed that women suffering from PCOS are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. Excess facial hair growth, weight gain, irregular periods, inability to conceive, etc. increases the stress levels that ultimately lead to anxiety and depression.
2. Age Group
According to several reports, the age group of women suffering from PCOS is 15 to 45 years. It is the age group in which the women develop the ability to conceive babies. In this category, mostly women in the age 20s and 30s suffer more from hormonal disorders.
3. Diabetes
Women suffering from PCOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, a form of diabetes in which the body fails to produce enough insulin. Since the body becomes insulin resistant there is a high risk of developing diabetes that ultimately affects the overall health of the person. In such a case, the women are recommended the anti-diabetic medication metformin which increases the insulin sensitivity in the person.
4. Pregnancy Complications
Women suffering from PCOS tend to suffer more because of pregnancy complications. According to the reports, more than 70% of women suffering from PCOS fail to conceive a healthy baby. Due to the hormonal changes, irregular periods, weight gain, etc. women face several miscarriages that ultimately affect the morale and emotional well-being of the person. Though there is no proper cure for treating PCOS, it can be managed by certain modifications in the lifestyle. Active participation in physical activities and eating a balanced diet can help the person to manage it properly.
5. Cost for PCOS
According to the economic analysis of the reports published by the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 2020, the cost for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS in the United States is estimated at more than $8 billion.
6. High Blood Pressure
PCOS is considered a serious health condition as it increases the chances of getting several other health complications like diabetes, obesity, miscarriages, anxiety, depression, and increased blood pressure. The issue of increased blood pressure results in increasing the chances of heart problems that ultimately affect the overall health of the person.
7. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
PCOS also increases the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is a health condition in which the muscles supporting the soft tissues in the throat relax. This can be a life-threatening situation due to the lack of oxygen if left untreated. Since PCOS comes with several other health issues, it is important to manage it properly by making changes in the lifestyle.
8. Menstrual Cycles
Some women suffering from PCOS can have regular menstrual cycles. Many times these periods can occur more frequently like two or more times a month and can last for more than a week. Such a condition can cause the person anemic. So, it’s better to get yourself checked well before drawing any conclusion.
9. Building Muscles
It is identified that the hormone testosterone is released more in women suffering from PCOS that helps in building the muscles easily in comparison to the women with no such syndrome.
10. Earliest Sign
PCOS can be detected by several symptoms but one of the most common and earliest signs is the occurrence of acne. Acne is defined as a skin condition in which red-colored pimples are formed on the skin, especially on the face that can be both painful and itchy. So, if you are experiencing the unwanted growth of acne on the face, you must get yourself checked as it could be the result of PCOS.
11. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that is developed mostly in women during pregnancy. Women who have a history of PCOS are at high risk of developing such types of diabetes at the time of pregnancy. This can only be avoided if proper care is taken regarding health and diet.
12. Miracles of Supplements
It is believed that taking supplements can help to overcome the effects of PCOS as they help in regulating menstrual cycles. The most commonly used vitamins that are necessary to be taken are vitamin D, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6.
13. Pregnant Women with PCOS
It is not always important that women suffering from PCOS cannot conceive instead it is believed that women with PCOS have a higher ovarian reserve. A higher ovarian reserve means that the women have a longer reproductive life and may achieve menopause later in life.