What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Arva Health

Being diagnosed with PCOS can feel like a lot.

What the doctors say can seem like jargon, everything seems confusing, and god forbid those Google searches that lead us down those rabbit holes of worry and anxiety.

But PCOS is much more common than it seems. Nowadays, 10% of Indian menstruators are diagnosed with it, making it one of the most common conditions in people of reproductive age.

So why is the information around PCOS, how it can affect you, and how you can care for yourself so hidden?

At Arva, we aim to change this. That’s why we spent hours going through hundreds of detailed medical journals, papers and even spoke with doctors to give you the full story on PCOS.

So, read on to know all the deets!

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

To put it simply, PCOS or Poly-Cystic Ovarian syndrome refers to a hormone imbalance in your body that affects the way your reproductive system works.

Poly- means many. And cystic refers to tiny cysts (fluid filled sacs) in your ovaries.

Doctors and researchers use the word ‘syndrome’ rather than ‘disorder’ or ‘disease’ because we haven’t as yet figured out the true cause of the condition. But the most common thought is that [PCOS could be genetic] and/or induced by external factors such as diet and lifestyle.

How does PCOS affect our bodies?

Along with the formation of cysts in the ovaries, PCOS leads to disturbances in the hormone levels as well. Normally, the ovaries produce oestrogen, which is produced more in females, as well as androgen which is produced more in males.

But in PCOS, there is an overproduction of androgen, the male hormone. This hormonal switch can cause various symptoms of PCOS such as affecting ovulation, resulting in excessive hair, growth, acne and leading to the development of cysts in the ovaries.

Insulin is also another hormone that contributes to PCOS. Our bodies produce insulin to move sugar or glucose in our blood to the cells, for them to use as energy. With PCOS, cells can develop insulin resistance, leading to an increase of sugar levels in the bloodstream. This can make our bodies go “Hmm, maybe we need to produce more insulin”.

Now this is where the trouble starts. We don’t need more insulin. High insulin in turn promotes the release of androgens. Which in turn promotes the whole cycle of androgens affecting our ovaries.

Miscommunication much? 🤷🏻‍♂️

What are the symptoms of PCOS?

Our bodies and reproductive system don’t function in isolation.

They work in tandem with your metabolism, skin, hair, digestion, and more. And as such, the symptoms of PCOS also vary from person to person.

Some people may not even have symptoms and instead, only realise they have the condition when they’re trying to conceive or have PCOS related infertility.

Some people have mild symptoms that present themselves as regular ‘period problems’. Regardless, it’s best to get it checked out, regardless of the severity of the symptoms.

Here are some of the most common physical symptoms that PCOS tags along:

• Irregular periods - Getting your period too often, not often enough, or way too heavy? That’s your body letting you know that it’s having an issue with ovulation and is unable to keep up a consistent cycle.

• Abnormal hair growth - Hair growth is totally normal. But when the hair growth on your face, arms, chest or abdomen specifically is thicker or more excessive than usual (hirsutism), it could indicate a hormonal imbalance.

• Skin Discolouration - Patches of darker skin between your neck, armpits, groin (between your legs), or under your breasts are called acanthosis nigricans. It is caused by fluctuating hormones and could be a symptom of PCOS.

• Acne - Definitely something we’re all familiar with. 🫠 PCOS can cause acne, especially on your back, chest or face. It’s an especially persistent form of acne and can continue even after puberty.

• Hair Loss - Losing hair in the shower — also normal. But if you’re brushing your hair and finding clumps that have just fallen off? Blame it on PCOS.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - You know how they say to trust your gut? PCOS and IBS are intrinsically linked by hormones. The ratio of LH:FSH in your body can cause constipation or indigestion.

• Weight Fluctuations - All body types can have PCOS. Whether you’re lean, average or overweight, if you’re able to lose or gain weight too easily, it might be a sign.

How do I treat PCOS?

Figuring out your symptoms is definitely an important first step. But because PCOS is so differentiated it’s difficult to treat without understanding what’s going on underneath.

That’s why we always recommend you get tested as soon as you get a diagnosis. The silver lining to PCOS is that there’s actually a lot of research on how it affects our body and how we can manage it.

Here are some ways PCOS is treated:

1. Medications 💊

You may be advised to go on birth control pills that contain estrogen or progesterone as they help regulate the levels of androgen. These can also help with acne, irregular bleeding and excessive hair growth.

Or you may also be prescribed progestin therapy, which is to be taken for 10-14 days every month. This can help regulate periods, but doesn’t help much with androgen levels.

2. Lifestyle changes 🏃‍♀️

Exercise and daily movement plays a key role in regulating PCOS. Even a modest reduction in weight could help the effectiveness of the medications and reduce your symptoms. It can also help if you’re planning to conceive and are facing PCOS related infertility.

3. Ovulation medication🩺

If you face infertility due to PCOS related anovulation or irregular periods, you may be advised medication to help you ovulate. This is often done when you’re starting IUI, IVF or an egg freezing cycle as well.

You may also be asked to take anti estrogen medication such as clomiphene, letrozole, medication such as metformin to help improve insulin levels and even gonadotropins to help stimulate your ovaries to produce more eggs.

4. Supplements and creams

Beyond ovulation, the side effects of PCOS also affect hair growth, acne and weight. The birth control pill can help with regulating hair growth. Eflornithine cream may also be suggested to slow down growth of unwanted facial hair. Alternatives also include anti androgen creams such as spironolactone, flutamide etc. For hair loss on the head. minoxidil serums may be recommended.

However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider for these, as these are not recommended when you are pregnant or are trying to conceive.

Arva’s take on PCOS

We know that PCOS emanates from the complex interactions between our ovaries, androgens (male-dominant hormones), other hormones, and insulin (regulates your blood sugar).

Understanding the root cause of it can be a confusing journey. But we’re here to help you through it all, with the right resources.

A step that can you can get started with, is by testing your hormones with the Arva Fertility Test. This can help you identify the specific hormones and how they affect you.

Based on that, you can make that call to your healthcare provider and take the right steps ahead towards treatment.

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