PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Table of Content

• What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS

• Causes of PCOS

• What are the risk factors of PCOS

• Symptoms of PCOS

• Reason for Increasing Cases of PCOS among Adolescent Girls

• Ways to prevent PCOS

• Diagnosis and Treatment of PCOS

• When to See a Doctor

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Why PCOS Cases Are rising Among Adolescent Girls

Introduction

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder affecting millions of women worldwide. However, recent studies have shown an alarming rise in PCOS cases among adolescent girls, and experts are scrambling to understand why.

In this blog, we delve into the possible causes and consequences of this trend, and what it means for the future health of young women.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS

PCOS is caused by an imbalance of hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the body. In PCOS, ovaries produce excess androgen which causes irregular menstrual cycles and missed periods. Small cysts(fluid-filled sacs) may be seen in ovaries but these need not be necessarily present. 

PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease meaning a group of symptoms are present which are affecting ovaries

• Increased Androgens

• Cystic changes in Ovaries

• Irregular periods

Despite being a common and manageable condition, PCOS is now diagnosed in young girls as early as 12 years old due to diet, lifestyle and other factors.

Causes of PCOS

Several factors can be attributed to causing PCOS. Genetics and obesity play a role in the development of PCOS.

• Increased androgens: Increased androgen prevents ovaries from releasing eggs which leads to irregular menstrual cycles.

• Genetics: Many genes are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

• Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance can lead to high glucose levels in our bodies. Increased insulin causes ovaries to release more male hormones contributing to other symptoms of PCOS. Obesity is a major factor in insulin resistance.

• Inflammation: Women who have PCOS, have increased inflammation in their bodies. Increased inflammation can lead to increased androgen levels.

What are the risk factors of PCOS

The exact cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but several known risk factors may contribute to its development. 

• Family history of PCOS or other hormonal disorders

• Obesity or being overweight

• Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes

• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity

• High levels of stress or anxiety

Having PCOS increases your risk of developing additional health problems, which can be stressful. If PCOS is not treated at the appropriate time, diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol can develop with age

Symptoms of PCOS

Some women with PCOS may have mild symptoms, while others may experience more severe symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life.

Here are some of the common symptoms of PCOS:

• Irregular periods or no periods at all

• Heavy periods or excessive bleeding

• Darkening of skin

• Infertility 

• Acne, oily skin, or dandruff

• Excessive hair growth on the face, chest, or back (hirsutism)

• Thinning hair or hair loss

• Weight gain 

• Fatigue

Reason for Increasing Cases of PCOS among Adolescent Girls

PCOS cases have been on the rise in recent years. But what is causing this increase? Here are some reasons why PCOS cases are increasing among adolescent girls:

• Obesity: Adolescent girls who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop PCOS. Studies have shown that up to 80% of adolescent girls with PCOS are overweight or obese. 

• Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to the development of PCOS. 

• Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity is another factor that can increase the risk of PCOS in adolescent girls. 

• Hormonal imbalances: PCOS is often caused by hormonal imbalances in the body. Adolescent girls who experience early puberty, irregular menstrual cycles, or other hormonal issues may be at a higher risk for PCOS. 

• Pandemic: The pandemic has led to bad eating habits and a reduction in physical activity which all lead to the development of obesity and further leading to PCOS.

Ways to prevent PCOS

While most cases of PCOS can’t be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent its most serious complications. This includes eating a healthy diet and exercising to maintain your ideal weight.

• Exercise regularly: exercise and maintain an optimum weight. Try to exercise at least 5 days a week for 150 minutes. Maintaining healthy body weight may be enough to balance out your hormones so that your body ovulates on its own

• Eating healthy: Try to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lentils, pulses, nuts, and seeds and adequate water. Avoid oily, spicy, canned, and processed foods. If the girl has heavy bleeding, she should eat food rich in iron to avoid the deficiency. Spinach, dried fruits, eggs, and broccoli contain iron and should be included in her daily diet.

• Manage stress: High levels of stress can impact hormone levels. Practising stress-management techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help reduce stress levels. 

• Take regular Gynaecological consultation: Consultation with a gynaecologist regularly can help prevent PCOS. Gynaecologists can check for early signs and symptoms and can also advise you beforehand to prevent PCOS. 

Diagnosis and Treatment of PCOS

If you are having symptoms of PCOS it is better to reach out to a Gynaecologist. Gynecologists diagnose PCOS by :

• Looking at your symptoms like irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant etc.

• Physical exam to look for acne, hair growth etc.

• Pelvic exam 

• Pelvic Ultrasound to access ovaries and uterine lining.

• Blood tests to check for hormone levels.

There is no definite cure for PCOS, doctors usually treat each of the symptoms. Treatment options can vary from person to person depending on the symptoms that are creating most of the trouble.

• Medications: Doctors can use medications such as metformin, which can deal with insulin resistance. Birth control(combination pills of oestrogen and progesterone)  pills can also be used to regulate the menstrual cycle. Ovary-stimulating agents can also be used for women who want to get pregnant.

• Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove androgen-producing tissue from ovaries.

• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes include an anti-inflammatory diet, weight loss, and stress reduction can improve symptoms of PCOS.

When to See a Doctor

If you are experiencing long menstrual cycles, irregular periods, excess hair growth or any other signs of excess androgen and finding it difficult to get pregnant then it is better to Consult your Gynaecologist for further. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcomes of the disease.

Take-Home Points

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is a disorder of the endocrine system(hormones) which affects women of reproductive age.

• PCOS is caused by an imbalance of hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the body.

• There are several factors contributing to the development of PCOS including genetics, inflammation and increased androgens.

• Common symptoms of PCOS include heavy periods, irregular periods, hair loss, acne, weight gain etc.

• Reasons for increasing PCOS among adolescent females include a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalances and the pandemic which has led to obesity and decreased physical activity.

• To prevent PCOS one should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat healthily and manage stress.

• Diagnosis of PCOS is made by looking at your symptoms, physical exam, pelvic exam and pelvic ultrasound.

• Treatment of PCOS can be done using medications, surgery and lifestyle modifications.

• If you are experiencing irregular periods, difficulty in getting pregnant and excess hair growth, you should consult your gynaecologist.