Androgens are usually present in small amounts in women. The increased number causes many health problems and additional risks in PCOSCO patients.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is the formation of multiple small cysts in the ovaries. These cysts are filled with fluid.
This happens so that the male sperm can fertilize it. If not fertilized, the egg is released from the body during menstruation.
In rare cases, a woman may not produce enough hormones to ovulate. If ovulation does not occur, the ovary can form several small cysts. It causes irregular periods and other conditions associated with PSOCSO.
Let’s take a closer look at PCOS to help you understand better.
What causes PCOS?
The etiology of PCOS is unknown. However, studies have shown many common characteristics in women with PCOSCO.
Insulin resistance
Many women with PCOS develop insulin resistance. It means the body can’t use insulin properly. Insulin levels in the body increase, possibly leading to greater androgen levels. Obesity can increase PCOS symptoms and increase insulin levels.
High insulin levels cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone, which inhibits the development of follicles (sacs in the ovaries that produce eggs) and prevents regular ovulation. Insulin resistance causes the body to produce more insulin, leading to weight gain, which can lead to PCOS symptoms.
Hormonal imbalance
Many women with PCOS have hormonal imbalances, including:
- Increase testosterone levels. Testosterone is a male hormone found in small amounts in women.
- High levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) are also common. It stimulates ovulation, but large amounts can adversely affect a woman’s reproductive health.
- It is a protein that binds to testosterone in the blood and reduces its effect.
- Increase the level of prolactin.
The exact cause of these hormone levels is unknown. It has been suggested that the problem may start in the ovaries, other glands that make these hormones, or the area of the brain that controls their synthesis. Changes can also occur during insulin resistance.
Genetics
PCOS can run in families.
Symptoms of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Skin tags on the neck and armpits
- Absence of periods, irregular periods, or very light periods
- Large or multiple cysts in the ovary
- Excessive body hair, especially on the chest, stomach, and back (hirsutism)
- weight gain, especially around the pelvis (belly)
- Itchy or acne-prone skin
- Male patterned or receding hairline
- Patches of skin on the back of the breast, back of the neck, and armpits
Health risks associated with PCOS
Not all women with PCOS are at risk for their health, but having PCOS increases your chances of developing certain health problems. Finally, it is important to have your health checked regularly by a doctor experienced in treating women with PCOS. Regular doctor appointments should be made twice a year. Check every six months to make sure you are in good health.
The following are long-term health risks associated with the disease:
Improperness or impotence
Hormonal imbalances in PCOS women interfere with the development and release of eggs (eggs).
Endometrial cancer
In premenopausal women, PCOSCOS increases the risk of endometrial cancer by 6%. The primary mechanism for the development of endometrial cancer is the trinity of obesity, excess insulin in the blood (hyperinsulinemia), and diabetes, all of which are typically present in PCOS. In addition, abnormal hormone levels are significant aspects of PCOS, such as excess estrogen, testosterone, and low progesterone.
Diabetes
Because it is a risk factor for diabetes, women with PCOS are more prone to getting diabetes. Prediabetes affects 35% of women with PCOS and 10% develop diabetes before the age of 40.
But experts have concluded that women with PCOS are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes, which affects how the body controls blood sugar levels. This is significant because women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, which increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Obesity
Obese women, regardless of PCOS diagnosis, are more likely to have reproductive problems. Obese women are more prone than women of normal weight to menstrual irregularities and anovulatory infertility. The relative risk of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age increases with a BMI of 24 kg/m2 and increases further with increasing BMI. Losing weight can restore regular menstruation in these women, supporting the pathophysiological functions of obesity.
Women with PCOS are more likely to be overweight or obese, especially around the abdomen, because excess insulin can cause weight gain. Visceral fat, or belly fat, can cause triglycerides to rise, lowering HDL or “good” cholesterol.
Despite the higher prevalence of reproductive problems in obese women, most obese women do not develop hyperandrogenemia or PCOS. Increased androgen production is associated with obesity, particularly in women with upper body obesity.
Cardiovascular risk
Elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, and glucose intolerance are common in women with PCOS, all of which increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. As a result, doctors and researchers believe that women with PCOS are more prone to heart problems.
PCOSCO risk factors, including being overweight or having insulin-resistant diabetes or high blood pressure, are associated with cardiovascular disease.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and dangerous sleep disorder in which you stop breathing during sleep. If you have OSA, your airways often become blocked during sleep. This will reduce the amount of air that gets into your lungs.
According to one study, the risk of OSA in women with PCOS is at least 5 to 10 times higher than in women without PCOS. The phrase “e-commerce” refers to the sale of goods and services online. These could be symptoms of OSA.
Treatment and management of PCOS
Certain lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, are considered first-line therapy for adolescent girls and women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOSCO).
A nutritious diet and increased physical exercise can help a PCOSCO patient lose weight and relieve symptoms. They can also improve the body’s efficiency with insulin, lower blood glucose levels, and aid regular ovulation.
Insulin levels in PCOS patients are often reported to be higher than normal. It helps the body’s cells convert sugar, also known as glucose, into energy.
If you don’t make enough insulin, your blood sugar can rise. It also happens with insulin resistance, which means you can’t use your insulin properly.
Insulin levels that are too high can cause your ovaries to make more androgens, including testosterone.
A better body mass index can also contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can make weight loss difficult, which is why PCOS patients often have this problem.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as starchy and sugary foods, can worsen insulin resistance and make weight loss more difficult as a result.
Food to eat
Below is a list of foods you should eat to manage PCOSCO symptoms.
Low Glycemic Index (GI) Diet
Low GI foods are digested more slowly by the body, which means they don’t cause insulin levels to rise as much or as quickly as other foods, such as some carbohydrates. A low-GI diet includes whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and other unprocessed foods that are low in carbohydrates.
Good fats
Obesity is not always the cause of PCOSCO. And fats are not always your enemy. There are many good fats in your diet that you can enjoy, from avocados to fatty salmon, and are key to eating with PCOS. Healthy fats contain essential fatty acids, which are essential components in maintaining cell walls. Not only that, but they are essential for optimal hormonal balance and weight control.
Exercise for PCOS
Daily exercise is essential for women with PCOSCO.
PCOS is also often associated with low mood. Exercise can increase serotonin production, improving your mood and strengthening your body. Doing 30 minutes or more a day can help with weight management, depression and anxiety symptoms, and increase your menstrual cycle and ovulation frequency.
Strength training
These exercises are beneficial for reducing insulin resistance, increasing metabolic rate and improving body composition.
Bodyweight activities such as push-ups, squats, and triceps improve insulin function and increase metabolism by increasing muscle mass. More muscle means burning more calories during exercise and throughout the day, even when you’re not exercising. Combining strength training with aerobic exercise is the most effective strategy for growing lean, maintaining a healthy BMI, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
HIIT
Intervals require alternating between short bouts of high-intensity effort and lower-intensity rest. It’s a quick approach to improving your cardiovascular fitness with additional benefits for PCOS. Riding a spin bike hard will burn more calories and reduce belly fat more effectively than a brisk walk. This can help you lose 5 to 10% of your body weight, which has been shown in studies to reduce PCOS symptoms by reducing excess testosterone and improving insulin resistance.
