A common endocrinological issue that has become extremely prevalent in recent years is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Obesity, menstrual irregularities, persistent anovulation or infrequent ovulation are the typical characteristics.

In many instances, it is also linked to other metabolic issues like insulin resistance. This disorder has several skin manifestations including male pattern baldness, acne, excessive hair growth, and seborrhea. A normal ovary with 12 or even more follicles measuring 2 to 9 mm in diameter and/or an enlarged ovarian capacity is referred to as having polycystic morphology.

In this blog, Dr. Monica Chahar, the best skin specialist in Dwarka, has described the crucial factors related to PCOS in women.

Symptoms in People with PCOS-

• Infertility
• Missed periods, irregular cycles, or exceptionally light cycles
• Large ovaries or ovaries with numerous cysts
• Hirsutism or excessive body hair, especially on the back, stomach, and chest
• Gaining weight, especially around the abdomen
• Oily skin or acne
• Baldness due to male pattern hair loss or thinning hair
• Skin tags or small portions of extra skin around the neck or under the arms
• Patches of thick or dark skin under the breasts, in the underarms, and on the nape of the neck

Causes-

PCOS may run in families as well. Siblings or a mother and her daughter frequently develop PCOS. Although some factors might cause PCOS:

• Insulin resistance: A hormone produced by the pancreas is insulin. It permits the utilization of sugar, the body’s main source of energy, by cells. Blood sugar levels may increase if cells develop an immunity to insulin’s effects. The body may produce more insulin as a result in an effort to lower the blood sugar levels.
• Heredity: According to research, several genes may be connected to PCOS. A family background of PCOS may increase the risk of having the disease.
• Excessive androgen: The ovaries may produce a large amount of androgen if one has PCOS. Ovulation is hindered by an excess of androgen. This indicates that the follicles in which the eggs develop are not routinely used to release the eggs. Acne and hirsutism are further side effects of too much androgen.
• Low-grade inflammation: In reaction to an infection or injury, white blood cells produce various chemicals. The reaction is referred to as low-grade inflammation. According to research, patients with PCOS experience a specific kind of chronic, low-grade inflammation that causes their polycystic ovaries to manufacture androgens.

Diagnosis-

The doctor will inquire about the medical history as well as one’s current symptoms. One also gets a physical examination.

• Ultrasound: The ovaries condition and the width of the uterus’ lining can both be examined with an ultrasound. The vagina receives a transducer, which resembles a wand. Sound waves released by the transducer are converted into visuals on a screen
• Pelvic exam: The healthcare professional might look for lumps, growths, or other changes in one’s reproductive organs during a pelvic exam.
• Blood Tests: Hormone levels can be determined via blood tests. This testing can rule out other reasons of irregular menstruation or androgen overabundance that resemble PCOS. Other blood tests, such as ones to check the triglyceride and cholesterol levels after a fast, may be performed. The body’s reaction to sugar can be measured with a glucose tolerance test (glucose).

Treatment-

A variety of factors affect how PCOS is treated. One’s age, the severity of the symptoms, and one’s general health are a few examples of them.

• For the majority of individuals with PCOS-related excessive hair growth, laser hair removal is both a successful procedure and the best choice. The number of sessions is typically greater than that of the normal patient, and the dermatologist can better advise one in that regard.

If one intends to get pregnant:

• Diet and exercise: One can lose weight and lessen the symptoms by eating well and engaging in greater physical activity. They may aid in ovulation, decreased blood sugar levels, and improved insulin sensitivity in the body.
• Medicines: The ovaries can release eggs normally with the aid of medications. There are additional risks associated with these medicines. They might increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies (twins or more). They could overstimulate the ovaries as well. The ovaries may produce too many hormones. It could cause symptoms including abdominal bloating and pelvic pain.

If one does not intend to get pregnant:

• Diet and exercise
• Birth control pills: These aid in regulating menstrual periods, bringing down testosterone levels, and clearing up acne.
• Medicines to control Diabetes: To reduce insulin resistance in PCOS, this is frequently utilized. Additionally, it might aid in lowering testosterone levels, reducing hair growth, and promoting more frequent ovulation.
• medications for other symptom treatment. Some drugs can help reduce acne or hair growth.

Dr. Monica Chahar at Skin Decor, provides PCOS Treatment in Dwarka and issues related to it, making the patient feel comfortable and patiently explains concerns of her patients. Book an appointment today with the best skin specialist in Dwarka for more information!