Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal imbalance that causes many women to have trouble regulating their periods, spotting, and getting ready in the morning. PCOS is unfortunately more common than many think—and it can cause a variety of symptoms for people who suffer from it. Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage PCOS and help keep your symptoms under control. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about PCOS—from its symptoms and diagnostic criteria to the various treatments available to help relieve the discomforts you experience as a result of this condition.
What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
A condition in which a woman has cysts on her ovaries. The cysts cause an imbalance in the levels of hormones in the body, which can affect many areas of a woman’s life. Cysts on the ovaries are a common finding in many women in their reproductive years. However, when they occur in large numbers and grow larger over time, this condition is called polycystic ovary syndrome. There are many causes of polycystic ovary syndrome, and doctors don’t fully understand them yet. Genetics and certain medications have both been linked to PCOS, and it’s unclear what causes all women to develop it.
Causes of PCOS
There’s no one certain cause behind polycystic ovary syndrome. Some people even wonder, does masturbation cause pcos, yet the answer is still undecided. What’s known is that it’s more common in women who have a genetic predisposition to it. There are many factors that may increase your risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome, including:
- Genetics: Genetic makeup plays a large role in whether you’ll develop polycystic ovary syndrome, but there’s no surefire way to know if you’re at risk.
- Certain medications: Certain medications can also trigger polycystic ovary syndrome, including Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, antiandrogens, insulin, progestin, birth control pills with progestin, anastrozole and fulvestrant, and certain antidepressants.
- High stress levels: High levels of stress have been linked to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Tips for Managing PCOS
It’s important to note that managing PCOS is different from trying to cure it. If you have PCOS, you can help manage your symptoms by following these tips:
- Eat healthy and maintain a balanced diet. Adopting a healthy eating plan can help you lose weight, which can help reduce your insulin levels. Focus on eating foods high in fibre and low in processed, refined carbs such as white bread, cookies, and crackers.
- Take medications as prescribed. You may also find that taking certain supplements or changing your medication schedule can help you feel better. You may also find that taking certain supplements or changing your medication schedule can help you feel better.
- Consider hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, women with PCOS may be better off taking the hormones progestin and estrogen than trying to conceive.
It’s important to remember that there’s no “normal” when it comes to PCOS. In fact, many women with this condition have normal periods and don’t have any other noticeable symptoms. There are many things you can do to manage PCOS and help keep your symptoms under control. It’s important to note that managing PCOS is different from trying to cure it. Together, these steps should help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
