Polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) and everything about it

This is the most common hormonal disorder among females, and it's not just a disease, but a syndrome (a group of diseases clubbed together is called a syndrome). In this article we will talk about PCOS and hopefully help you out in understanding it better.

What is PCOS

It is a hormonal disorder in which 3 main things happen that cause all the trouble. They are-

• Ovulation problems

  • This may lead to infertility and problems with your periods

• Excessive male hormone production

  • This leads to facial hair growth, acne

  • Additionally patients show insulin resistance, which means a lot of insulin is produced but the body refuses to respond to it, this leads to diabetes

• Ovaries become big and filled with fluid

Symptoms

• Weight gain / obesity

• Problems with your periods

• Infertility

• Acne

• Hair growth on the face

• Hair fall

• Darkening of skin at various places like armpits, back of neck, inner thighs

• PCOS patients develop diabetes and thus have to bear all the problems that come with it

Living with PCOS and it's management

It has yet to be cured, which is a sad reality. Please don't fall for scams promising a cure. The symptoms can, however, be managed and their impacts reduced.

PCOS can be frustrating, a constant struggle between doctors and dieticians, but one thing everyone agrees on is that the best and most effective step is - weight reduction. Being fit and losing fat can help with all the symptoms.

As fat also causes hormone disbalance, and is a major risk factor that leads to diabetes, working on yourself and getting rid of that excess fat is a good idea. You'll feel fabulous, confident and healthier for it.

So, controlling your stress levels, a good diet and a healthy lifestyle should be your priority.

Along with these lifestyle changes, it is important to consult a gynaecologist if the symptoms are severe. Why wait and make them worse? Using a dual approach involving a doctor and your own efforts, you can conquer this disease.

Visit us for more articles. Comment and tell us if you have PCOS and how do you deal with it and for more discussion, head on over to the forum.