PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder many women have during their reproductive stage. It can have an effect on one’s ability to conceive. Besides, it also –
- Disrupt one’s regular menstrual cycle and make it hard to predict.
- Chances of having more than usual growth of acne.
- Chances of having an unwanted body and facial hair.
- Increase chances of having other problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.
However, one needs to understand that there are different treatment options for PCOS. Although the definite causes of PCOS are still undergoing research, there are some answers to it though. Besides, there are several ways a woman can get pregnant, even with PCOS. Another thing that one needs to know is PCOS may or may not be diagnosed in women regardless of whether they have ovarian cysts.
The Probable Causes of PCOS
The exact causes of PCOS are still unknown by medical experts. It can be a hereditary disease, or it can be diagnosed due for the following probable reasons –
Excessive Insulin Production
Insulin, produced from the beta cells of the islet of Langerhans of the pancreas, is responsible for allowing your body cells to use sugar so as to provide energy to the body. Sometimes, the cells get resistant to the production and action of insulin. It results in a massive increase in blood sugar levels. Therefore, as more insulin is produced, it stimulates the production of androgen, which hampers the normal process of ovulation.
Excessive Androgen Secretion
Androgen, a male hormone, is present in females in small quantities. However, it might increase in production with an increase in insulin production. It results in hirsutism that develops unwanted hair growth on the face and body.
Low-grade Inflammation
Research shows how women with PCOS have low-grade inflammation, which favors the production of androgens. The low-grade inflammation also stimulates polycystic ovaries to cause heart and blood vessel issues.
Heredity
Some studies also suggest that PCOS is a result of genes. It might be a hereditary disease, according to a lot of experts.
Types of PCOS Women Usually Have
To deal with PCOS and treat it, one needs to understand what type of the syndrome they are having. Have a look at the different types below –
1. Insulin-resistant PCOS
This type of PCOS affects 70% of women. It is therefore considered the most common type of the syndrome. In insulin-resistant PCOS, the patient’s body generates excessive amounts of insulin. As a result of this, body cells become ineffective to the effects of insulin. This further deteriorates the situation as the pancreas pumps out more insulin until the cells react to the increased production. This state is called Hyperinsulinemia.
The end result of having this type of PCOS is usually gaining more body weight, especially around the abdomen. Fatigue is also common at this time. And with excess secretion of androgen, unwanted hair growth, acne, and oily skin become common.
2. Post-pill PCOS
As the name suggests, this type of PCOS occurs in women once they stop taking oral contraceptive pills. The most common symptoms include acne, oily skin, irregularity in menstruation, and excess unwanted hair growth. Most of these symptoms are likely to be absent before taking the contraceptive pill. The reactions happen because of the synthetic progestins used in the pills. This results in a natural surge of androgens, and therefore, typical PCOS symptoms occur following that.
However, one needs to remember that in this PCOS, there is no insulin resistance. Those suffering from post-pill PCOS can make things better with the proper intake of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and medications.
3. Adrenal PCOS
Adrenal PCOS results from excessive stress hormone levels, its response, and its effects. However, this type of PCOS is relatively rare and can be found in just 10% of those diagnosed with the syndrome. In Adrenal PCOS, DHEA-S gets elevated. However, it is not customary to find high testosterone levels and androstenedione. One cannot detect this androgen type unless visited by specialists.
4. Inflammatory PCOS
As the name suggests, Inflammatory PCOS is the type of PCOS where chronic inflammation occurs in the ovaries. It results in excess testosterone secretion, a bad sign for ovulation and other physical symptoms. The top signs of Inflammatory PCOS include headaches, joint pain, fatigue, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and eczema.
Final Words
The causes of PCOS and its symptoms must be evaluated before starting treatment. It is essential because PCOS is often misdiagnosed with another disease called Hypothalamic Amenorrhea. This disease also disrupts the regular menstrual cycle, but the reasons are different here. The primary ones are over-exercising or under-eating.
Hypothalamic Amenorrhea also brings mild acne and hair growth problems. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential for the treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. While the causes are still undergoing research, one can have a better idea by looking at the types.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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