Women's Health – Genix Care

March 5, 2025 admin

Dealing with PCOS and taking control of your life.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting over 10% of women, characterized by elevated male hormone levels and irregular menstrual cycles.

Q. What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting over 10% of women, characterized by elevated male hormone levels and irregular menstrual cycles.

Diagnosis requires meeting at least two of the following criteria:

Elevated male hormones, indicated by high androgen levels or excessive male-pattern hair growth.
Irregular menstrual cycles, with intervals over 35 days or fewer than eight cycles per year, not due to hormonal contraceptives.
A significant number of follicles on an ovarian ultrasound.

Q. What causes PCOS?

The exact causes of PCOS are unclear, but it is thought to result from a mix of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt normal ovulation, causing irregular menstrual
cycles and increased metabolic risks, such as insulin resistance and high cholesterol. These issues can also appear in family members, with research showing that 50% of daughters
and female siblings of those with PCOS are likely to be affected, highlighting the significant genetic influence.

Q. What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is mainly marked by irregular menstrual cycles and high androgen levels, which can cause unwanted hair growth.
While women may notice these symptoms, a medical evaluation is crucial for a definitive diagnosis and to check for related metabolic issues like diabetes.

Q. What additional health issues may arise with PCOS?

Women with PCOS face higher risks for diabetes, elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and potentially cardiovascular disease, though the link remains uncertain.
They are also more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea and have increased rates of depression and anxiety, which should be discussed with healthcare professionals.

Q. What are common misconceptions about PCOS?

A common misconception is that PCOS is linked to ovarian cysts; however, cysts are not a cause or symptom of the condition. Another fallacy is that women with PCOS cannot conceive,
when in fact many can achieve pregnancy naturally or with treatment.

Q. Can you have a healthy pregnancy with PCOS?

Why not? A healthy pregnancy is possible with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), despite increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and preterm delivery.
Most pregnancies with PCOS proceed without major complications, making careful preconception planning essential.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep can benefit early pregnancy. However, weight loss before conception has not been shown to improve pregnancy rates for those with higher body weight. Overall, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is associated with lower pregnancy risks.

Q. How is PCOS treated?

PCOS treatment varies for each woman, focusing on alleviating specific symptoms. Oral contraceptives can regulate menstrual cycles, while medications may help with excessive hair growth, and procedures like laser hair removal can be effective. Metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance, may be managed with metformin. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are essential, and for fertility issues, ovulation-stimulating medications are often the best option.

There are natural methods to manage PCOS through a thoughtfully selected combination of supplements, in conjunction with a deliberate diet and lifestyle.